The results of core decompression treatment in patients with avascular necrosis of femoral head in patients at Isfahan City educational hospitals in 2010-2011

BACKGROUND: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of femoral head is one of the multifactorial pathologies, which can disturb hip joint and its range of motion. There have been several therapeutic methods for this pathology, but the results are controversial. Some studies show that core compression prevents the progress of the disease and its symptoms. This study aims to explore this issue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted on patients who were diagnosed with AVN of femoral head stage I, II(A,) at educational hospitals of Isfahan in 2010. The patients who met the inclusion criteria and suffered from AVN of femoral head stage I, II(A) for any reason (primary or secondary), entered the study. Six and 12 months after surgery, final assessment in terms of range of motion, return to work, and severity of pain based on vancouver associated score (VAS) was made and recorded. The duration of hospitalization and rate of infection were also recorded. The data were entered into and analyzed by the SPSS software. RESULTS: Mean and standard deviation of pain severity before surgery was 6.82 ± 1.74 in the participants. After 6 months, pain severity reduced to 4.05 ± 1.29, and after 12 months, it reached 2.41 ± 1.82. On the basis of analysis of variance with repeated observation, the severity of pain was significantly reduced in 1 year (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that core decompression in patients with AVN of femoral head stage I, II(A) can improve pain in hip area and increase range of motion.