How does transtrochanteric anterior rotational osteotomy change the dynamic three-dimensional intact ratio in hips with osteonecrosis of the femoral head?

Background: The intact ratio (the ratio of the intact area of the femoral head) on a two-dimensional anteroposterior radiograph is associated with the prognosis of hips with osteonecrosis of the femoral head after transtrochanteric anterior rotational osteotomy. However, changes of the three-dimensional intact ratio during dynamic weight-bearing activity and correlation of the three-dimensional intact ratio with clinical scores are still unknown.

Methods: Kinematics of eight hips with osteonecrosis of the femoral head that underwent anterior rotational osteotomy were analyzed using image-matching techniques during chair-rising and squatting preoperatively and postoperatively. Two types of dynamic three-dimensional intact ratios were examined, including the lunate covered area (IR) and in vivo peak contact force vector intersected area (IR). The static three-dimensional intact ratio in each octant of the femoral head was also examined.

Findings: The mean Harris hip score significantly improved from 67 preoperatively to 90 postoperatively. During chair-rising rising/squatting, the mean IR and IR significantly increased from 42%/41% and 7%/4% preoperatively, to 66%/65% and 79%/77% postoperatively, respectively. IR significantly changed during the motion whereas substantial postoperative IR was maintained throughout the motion. Additionally, Harris hip score and the static three-dimensional intact ratio in the superolateral regions had significant positive correlations with both IR and IR.

Interpretation: Hip kinematics affected IR but not IR, which suggests that substantial intact bone occupies the region in which peak contact forces are applied during deep hip flexion. Additionally, improving intact ratio in the superolateral region led to improvements in both IR and IR with favorable clinical scores.