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Avascular osteonecrosis of the acetabulum
B Fink1, J Assheuer, A Enderle
1Orthopaedic Department, University of Hamburg, Germany.
Skeletal Radiology
|October 29, 1997
Summary
Acetabular osteonecrosis may occur alongside non-traumatic femoral head necrosis. This condition could contribute to premature loosening of acetabular components in total hip replacements, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Non-traumatic necrosis of the femoral head is a known condition.
- The potential for concurrent acetabular osteonecrosis is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate acetabular osteonecrosis in patients with non-traumatic femoral head necrosis.
- To differentiate osteonecrosis from osteoarthritic changes in the acetabulum.
Main Methods:
- MRI and radiography were used to assess 179 patients.
- Three criteria were established: heterogeneous morphology, demarcation lines, and gadolinium uptake.
- Histological confirmation was obtained in four patients.
Main Results:
- Acetabular necrosis was suggested by MRI in 9.5% of cases.
- Histological confirmation of acetabular necrosis was obtained in four patients.
- Two cases of acetabular necrosis occurred without ipsilateral femoral head necrosis.
Conclusions:
- Acetabular necrosis may accompany aseptic necrosis of the femoral head.
- Further research is needed to understand its role in total hip arthroplasty loosening.