Osseoscopy-assisted core decompression and debridement in the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head

Core decompression of the femoral head is a standard surgical procedure used in the early stages of the femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN) (Steinberg I to III). This study aimed to determine whether the advantages of osseoscopy-assisted core decompression using a standard arthroscopic set up in the early stages of AVN of the femoral head. Twelve hips of 12 patients who underwent osseoscopy-assisted core decompression and debridement with the diagnosis of AVN of the femoral head were reviewed between 2019 and 2021. The etiology was idiopathic in 2 patients; ten had a history of steroid use. The preoperative and postoperative first month Harris Hip Score (HHS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were recorded. Standard X-rays, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were noted at preoperatively and sixth month follow-ups. In a 1-year follow-up, X-rays and MRIs were reviewed. All patients significantly improved in the VAS and HHS after the osseoscopy-assisted core decompression ( P = .002). Two of the 12 patients with an initial stage of Steinberg IIC and IIB and one with Steinberg IA had a progressive femoral collapse and, therefore, had a total hip replacement at the end of the follow-up. Nine patients (75%) had satisfactory functional and radiological results in 1-year of follow-up. However, 3 patients (25%) culminated in total hip arthroplasty in a 1-year follow-up. Using an arthroscopic set up during osseoscopy-assisted core decompression surgery of the femoral head AVN has the benefits of direct visualization and accurate debridement of the involved area. The osseoscopy-assisted core decompression technique avoids excessive debridement of the healthy bone tissue adjacent to the necrotic area.