Comparison of minimally-invasive fibular supporting of T-type with traditional bloody iliac flap metastasis for osteonecrosis of the femoral head at ARCO stage II.

Purpose: Our research mainly evaluates the clinical efficacy of two surgical methods in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) at ARCO stage II, aiming to provide optimal hip-preserving treatment of ONFH.

Method: From October 2018 to September 2020, 48 patients (59 hips) met the inclusion criteria and randomized. 24 cases (29 hips) in experimental group were treated with minimally-invasive fibular supporting of T-type; 24 cases (30 hips) in control group were treated with traditional bloody iliac flap metastasis. We will compare some intraoperative and postoperative conditions.

Result: The operation time in experimental group was 37 (6) minutes, in control group was 130 (21.75) minutes; the length of surgical incision in two groups was 3.7 (0.7) cm and 12.85 (2.68) cm. The intraoperative blood loss in two groups was 69 (21) ml and 363 (87) ml; the postoperative VAS score of the experimental group on day 1, day 3, day 7 after surgery was 5.5 (2), 3.5 (1), 0 (1); the control group was 6 (1.75), 4 (1), 3 (1). The data differences between above groups have statistically significant. The follow-up time of two groups was (33.86 ± 5.66) months and (35.67 ± 4.69) months. The bone graft healing time in two groups was (14.21 ± 1.93) months and (13.83 ± 2.34) months. The Harris hip scores of two groups at the last follow-up were 90 (7.5) and 86.5 (8.5). The survival rates of two groups were 79.31% (23/29) and 76.67% (23/30). The difference was no statistically significant in above groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: The two different bone graft implantation showed satisfactory early outcomes. Compared to the control group, the experimental group has the advantages of lesser pain, lesser blood loss, lesser trauma and shorter operation time. It may be a choice as bone graft for the treatment of ONFH at early stage.