Augmentation of core decompression with synthetic bone graft does not improve mechanical properties of the proximal femur.

Core decompression is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The procedure requires an entry hole in the lateral cortex of the femur which potentially leaves patients susceptible to subtrochanteric fractures. The purpose of this study was to determine if filling the core decompression tract with synthetic bone-graft mechanically strengthens the proximal femur.