Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2010, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (52): 9853-9856.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010. 52.041

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Trabecular metal tantalum rod implantation for avascular necrosis of the femoral head at pre-collapse stage

Wang Zhi, Zhang Zhong-jie, Chen Ge, Li Zhong   

  1. Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China
  • Online:2010-12-24 Published:2010-12-24
  • Contact: Li Zhong, Doctor, Associate professor, Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China drlzmail@yahoo.com.cn
  • About author:Wang Zhi★, Master, Physician, Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China marsflyer@126.com
  • Supported by:

     the Scientific Research Program of Sichuan Provincial Health Department, No. 080180

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Trabecular metal tantalum rod implantation is a novel treatment for patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head at pre-collapse stage.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of trabecular metal tantalum rod implanted for avascular necrosis of the femoral head at pre-collapse stage and the radiology outcomes of necrotic femoral head.
METHODS: From March 2008 to August 2009, 7 patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head at Association Research Circulation Osseous stage I and stage II were treated by trabecular metal tantalum rod implant. Harris score, X-ray and MRI were performed pre- and post-operatively. Necrotic tissue obtained by surgery was subjected to pathology. Antibiotics were applied for 3 days postoperatively, and affected limbs should avoid full weight-bearing in 3 months.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: All incisions healed at primary stage with no infection or other postoperative complications. All 7 cases were followed up for 6-13 months. After tantalum rod implantation, the pain symptom of all cases mitigated significantly. The Harris score was 72.6±2.9 at 2 weeks and 81.3±3.5 at 10 months postoperation, showing a significant difference compared with preoperative score (65.4±3.1, P < 0.05). Postoperative X-ray showed that all 7 tantalum rods were well placed. Necrosis of the femoral head in 6 patients did not progress. One case presented with collapse at 4 months after surgery, but collapse did not increase at 8-12 months with sustained pain relief. Trabecular metal tantalum rod implantation can effectively delay the progression of avascular necrosis of the femoral head, relieve pain and improve functionality of affected hip. Collapse can also occur at prosthetic implanted femoral head but at a less extent and tends to stop. This may be related to the location of rod and the extent of femoral head necrosis.

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