Comparison of Total Hip Arthroplasty and Core Decompression in Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head after Taking Temgesic and Norgesic

BACKGROUND: Osteonecrosis is common after taking Temgesic and Norgesic. This study intended to suggest the preferable surgical treatment in osteonecrosis patients who use these drugs. METHODS: Twenty tree patients with hip osteonecrosis who were hospitalized in the Kerman hospitals after using Temgesic and Norgesic were followed for about 14 months from 2008 to 2010 (from a minimum of 2 months to a maximum of 2 years). 65% of patients underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) and core decompression was performed for 35% of them. Patients were compared based on functional scoring of hip before and after surgery. FINDINGS: Duration of drug use was 38 months on average and injection frequency of drug was averagely 3 months. The average functional scoring of hip was 9.1 before operation and 16 after it (P < 0.001). Recovery rate of patients in THA was very good and in core decompression was good. CONCLUSION: In treatment of osteonecrosis after taking Temgesic and Norgesic, the THA surgery in comparison with core decompression showed better results and caused significant clinical improvement.