Vascularized fibular grafting compared with core decompression in the treatment of femoral head osteonecrosis

A prospective study was undertaken to compare vascularized fibular grafting (VFG) with core decompression for Ficat Grade II and III femoral head osteonecrosis. The study group included 39 hips in 34 patients-20 VFGs and 19 core decompressions. Independent evaluation of results was performed by an orthopedic surgeon and a radiologist at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively (range: 2 to 5 years). Disease extent was assessed by Ficat radiographic gradings. VFGs failed (conversion to total hip arthroplasty for functionally incapacitating pain) at a rate of 20%, significantly lower than the 58% failure rate of core decompressions (P = .025). Complications included 2 proximal femur fractures in each group, ankle pain in 6 VFGs, and graft vessel thrombosis in 1 VFG. Vascularized fibular grafting appears superior to core decompression in prolonging hip joint survivorship for Ficat Grades II and III femoral head osteonecrosis.