Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head Treatment
Disease description:
The area around the hip has been hurting constantly, causing a limp while walking, and the range of motion is becoming increasingly limited. The pain worsens especially after walking even a short distance or standing for an extended period. A hospital examination revealed avascular necrosis of the femoral head; how should this be treated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is primarily caused by insufficient blood supply to the femoral head, leading to bone cell death. Treatment methods mainly include:
1. Activity restriction: Reduce the load on the affected hip joint, avoid strenuous activities, and use assistive devices such as crutches to relieve pressure on the hip joint caused by body weight.
2. Medication: For early-stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), blood circulation-promoting and stasis-resolving medications, and drugs that improve microcirculation can be used to alleviate symptoms, such as diclofenac diethylamine gel and ibuprofen sustained-release tablets. These medications primarily help relieve pain and improve blood circulation, but cannot fundamentally reverse the disease progression.
3. Physical therapy: Utilize physical modalities such as heat application, cold application, and electrical stimulation to alleviate pain and improve local blood circulation.
4. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Promote tissue repair by increasing oxygen content in the blood.
5. Core decompression: Suitable for early-stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head, this procedure involves drilling to reduce pressure within the femoral head, improve local blood circulation, and delay disease progression.
6. Bone grafting surgery: For patients with extensive necrotic bone within the femoral head, bone grafting surgery can be performed to implant autologous or allogeneic bone to promote bone regeneration.
7. Osteotomy: This surgical procedure primarily involves altering the weight-bearing area of the femoral head, moving the necrotic area out of the weight-bearing zone to reduce pressure on the necrotic region and promote recovery.
