Hip Preservation With Autologous Osteoblast Cell-Based Treatment in Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a progressive disease that leads to femoral head collapse and secondary osteoarthritis if left untreated. Head preservation surgeries are notable for their inefficiency in providing a pain-free hip joint in cases with extensive involvement of the femoral head. This single-center study evaluated the effectiveness of autologous cultured osteoblast cells implanted after core decompression and debridement in 15 patients diagnosed with early osteonecrosis of the femoral head from 2010 to 2012. Overall mean follow-up was 51 months; the longest follow-up was 7 years in 3 patients. At 9 months after implant, all of the patients had resumed their normal routine activities. Reduction in pain and dependency on walking support was remarkable, and none of the patients required revision. The femoral joints were preserved structurally, and the joint biomechanics, strength, and function were regained. The use of autologous osteoblast cell implant is recommended for patients with early osteonecrosis. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(2):e183-e189.].