Subtrochanteric femur fracture after core decompression and placement of a tantalum strut for osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Abstract

Multiple treatment options have been described to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head, all with the goal of slowing or reversing the disease process and preventing the need for arthroplasty in a young patient population. Core decompression of the femoral head to allow revascularization is a commonly used technique that can now be supplemented by placement of the Osteonecrosis Intervention Implant (Zimmer, Warsaw, Ind). It consists of a tantalum strut that acts as a buttress for the subchondral bone of the femoral head. In this case, our patient underwent this procedure with subsequent subtrochanteric fracture. The factors leading to this iatrogenic injury are location of implant insertion, patient selection, and premature ambulation.