J Korean Radiol Soc.  1997 Oct;37(4):745-750.

Early Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head: Relationship of the Findings of Preoperative MRI and the Long-Term Results of Core Decompression

• Park DS
• Kwon ST
• Jeon DK
• Jeong GY
• Jang HL
• Lee SH
• Park EH
• Lee CG
• Song MG
• Kim JE
• Park YH

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate potential correlation between the extent and site of avascular necrosis (AVN), as determined by preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and the development of femoral head collapse.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Using clinical, radiographic and MR imaging criteria, twenty hips in 15 patients were selected for core decompression. Preoperative MR results were classified into three categories: group A, less than 15% involvement of the weight-bearing portion of the femoral head; group B, 15%-30% involvement; group C, more than 30% involvement, according to ARCO staging. We also established three groups according to site of involvement of the femoral head, namely medial, middle and lateral.
RESULTS
Of 20 cases, three were stage Ia; two, Ib; four, Ic; three, IIa; two, IIb; and 6, IIc. Ten cases of Ia, Ib, IIa or IIb showed no femoral head collapse during follow-up of at least 24 months, while ten cases of Ic or IIc showed femoral head collapse.
CONCLUSION
The prognosis of core decompression in patients with early AVN is related to the area of lesion in the femoral head.

Keyword

Hip, MR; Hip, necrosis

MeSH Terms

Decompression*
Follow-Up Studies
Head*
Hip
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Necrosis*
Prognosis
Weight-Bearing