Histological appearance of the intra-osseous vessels of the femoral head in aseptic osteonecrosis of the hip, with or without antiphospholipid antibodies.

Unlabelled: It has been suggested that in some patients non-traumatic aseptic osteonecrosis of the hip (AOH) could be the result of the intra-osseous thrombosis. Antiphospholipid antibodies (APL) have been associated with venous and arterial occlusive events and the association between AOH and APL syndrome has been reported.

Objectives: To compare bone vessels of the femoral head in patients operated on for AOH with or without APL.

Patients: Twenty patients (mean age 47 yrs) with AOH were included: in eight patients APL (IgG-ELISA) were negative (< 8 GPL units), in nine patients APL were doubtful (8-15 GPL units), and in three patients APL were positive (> 15 GPL units).

Methods: Bone vessels were examined: arteriosclerotic lesions, i.e. fibrosis or thickening of the media and rupture of the internal elastic lamina, thrombosis or vasculitis were sought in the femoral heads after total hip replacement or core decompression.

Results: Bone vessel lesions were the same in the three groups.