Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Porous coating tantalum rod system is a new-type implantation system, which is specialized to treat avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Its good biomechanical characteristics can provide the indispensable support of subchondral bone for the femoral head before collapse. Besides, it has good biocompatibility and can be implanted by minimally invasive method, which has wide application foreground.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect and application value of the porous coating tantalum rod system on adult avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
METHODS: Twenty-two adult patients (17 male, 5 female, the average age was 39.5 years old) with avascular necrosis of the femoral head received porous coating tantalum rod system treatment from 2008-05 to 2010-06. In disease stage, three cases were in stage Ⅰ and 19 cases in stage Ⅱ. Seventeen cases underwent unilateral implantation, and five cases received bilateral implantation. The main symptoms were pain in the hip joint and limp before implantation. Average Harris score was 52.5.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The average follow-up period was 19.5 months after implantation. All of the incisions were healed at stageⅠ. No infection and loosen complications occurred. The X-ray during the follow-up showed that there were no various collapses and enlargements of the cysts in the femoral head. Pain and limp were alleviated obviously after surgery. Harris score at final follow-up was 87.5, which had significant differences compared with that before implantation. In terms of subjective satisfaction, 17 cases were excellent, three were good and two were fair. The overall excellent and good rate was 91%. These findings suggest that porous coating tantalum rod system for adult avascular necrosis of the femoral head in Ficat stages Ⅰ and Ⅱ can achieve good short-term and mid-term results.