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World J Orthop. May 18, 2012; 3(5): 49-57
Published online May 18, 2012. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v3.i5.49
Osteonecrosis of the femoral head: An update in year 2012
Anjan P Kaushik, Anusuya Das, Quanjun Cui
Anjan P Kaushik, Anusuya Das, Quanjun Cui, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States
Anusuya Das, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States
Author contributions: Kaushik AP primary wrote, revised and final approved manuscript; Das A secondary wrote, revised and final approved manuscript; Cui Q made secondary writing, critical revisions and final approval.
Correspondence to: Quanjun Cui, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, PO Box 800159, 400 Ray C. Hunt Drive Suite 330, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States. qc4q@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu
Telephone: +1-434-2431673 Fax: +1-434-2430242
Received: October 31, 2011
Revised: February 20, 2012
Accepted: May 13, 2012
Published online: May 18, 2012
Abstract

Osteonecrosis is a phenomenon involving disruption to the vascular supply to the femoral head, resulting in articular surface collapse and eventual osteoarthritis. Although alcoholism, steroid use, and hip trauma remain the most common causes, several other etiologies for osteonecrosis have been identified. Basic science research utilizing animal models and stem cell applications continue to further elucidate the pathophysiology of osteonecrosis and promise novel treatment options in the future. Clinical studies evaluating modern joint-sparing procedures have demonstrated significant improvements in outcomes, but hip arthroplasty is still the most common procedure performed in these affected younger adults. Further advances in joint-preserving procedures are required and will be widely studied in the coming decade.

Keywords: Osteonecrosis, Avascular necrosis, Femoral head, Total hip arthroplasty, Core decompression, Hip