Arthroscopic Treatment of Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head.

Abstract

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head arises due to inadequate blood supply to the femoral head, leading to cell death, fracture, and eventually collapse. The disease often begins as asymptomatic but can present with pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in later phases. These symptoms cause disability, predominantly in young to middle-aged individuals. Both conservative and operative treatment modalities have been used depending on the progression of the disease. Timely surgical intervention is essential to enhance outcomes and avert stress fractures, subchondral collapse, and secondary hip arthritis. This technical note presents an arthroscopic approach to core decompression for the minimally invasive management of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.