Femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN) refers to a condition in which blood flow to the femoral head is reduced or stopped. This condition can lead to the death of bone tissue in the femoral head, ultimately causing the femoral head to collapse or become deformed. Treatment of femoral head AVN may vary depending on the severity of the patient's symptoms, the stage of necrosis, and the patient's overall health. Surgical treatment may help preserve or repair the femoral head in some cases. Here are the surgical treatment options for femoral head AVN:
Protection of the Femoral Head:
If AVN has not yet progressed or progressed only slightly, preservation of the femoral head can be attempted. This mostly involves surgical interventions to increase blood flow to the femoral head. For example, techniques such as vascular grafts (blood vessel grafts) or free fibula grafts may be used to increase blood flow to the femoral head and slow bone necrosis.
Femoral Head Repair:
If bone necrosis of the femoral head has progressed and caused the femoral head to collapse, the femoral head may need to be repaired or reconstructed. This may include methods such as replacing the femoral head or replacing it with a prosthesis. This type of surgical procedure aims to improve joint function.
Femoral Head Replacement:
If the bone necrosis of the femoral head is very advanced and the femoral head has collapsed, the femoral head may need to be completely replaced. This requires a total hip replacement surgery. The prosthesis is performed by completely replacing the femoral head and hip bone socket.
Treatment of femoral head AVN can be a complex process, and surgical options are determined by the patient's specific situation. Post-surgical rehabilitation and physical therapy can aid in the patient's functional recovery. The treatment plan is customized depending on the patient's age, health status, and degree of necrosis.
Decisions regarding femoral head AVN should be made by an orthopedic surgeon or specialist. In addition to surgical treatment, pain management and other conservative treatment options can also play an important role.