Mid-term outcomes of arthroscopic-assisted Core decompression of Precollapse osteonecrosis of femoral head—minimum of 5 year follow-up

Abstract

Abstract Background Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a progressive disease that leads to collapse and the development of secondary arthritis. The preferred management of ONFH remains controversial. Arthroscopic-assisted management of ONFH is a new and evolving approach for hip preservation. We hypothesis that arthroscopy is able to improve ONFH outcomes by achieving accurate and minimally invasive decompression while successfully addressing concomitant intraarticular pathologies resulting in reliable mid-term outcomes. Methods This was a retrospective cohort analysis. All patients had atraumatic ONFH with a precollapse lesion and a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Results A total cohort of 11 hips (8 patients) was identified. The mean patient follow-up was 7 years ±1.48 years (range, 64—118 months). The Ficat-Alret classification found on preoperative imaging was Stage I—3 (27.2%), IIa—4 (36.4%), and IIb—4 (36.4%) hips. Four (36.4%) hips experienced mechanical issues, including locking, catching, and buckling. The most common concomitant pathology addressed at the time of arthroscopy, was labral repair/debridement—8 (73%), followed by microfracture—7 (64%). At final follow-up, 6 hips (54.5%) had not converted to THA. Upon further stratification, Stage I—100%, Stage IIa—75%, for a combined 87%, had not converted to THA, in contrast, 100% of hips categorized as Stage IIb had converted to THA. Ficat-Alret staging, especially Stage IIb, was significantly associated with conversion to THA. (p-value = 0.015) There were 0% major or minor complications. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the longest reported follow-up of arthroscopic-assisted management of ONFH. Arthroscopic-assisted management is a promising surgical approach that provides safe, accurate, and minimally invasive decompression, resulting in reliable results with an acceptable conversion rate to THA. Level of evidence Level IV, Case Series.