EXPERIMENTAL MODEL STUDY OF ISCHEMIC NECROSIS INDUCTION OF THE GROWING FEMORAL HEAD

Many experimental models exist to better understand the necrosis of the femoral head etiology, both in terms of the species variety in which necrosis is induced and in the operative techniques used for treatment. OBJECTIVE: This study has two main objectives, the first is to review the literature concerning experimental models of avascular necrosis of the growing femoral head, the second, to demonstrate the experimental pig model’s reproducibility using a pilot study. METHODS: This was a bibliographic review to describe the attempts over time to find the best species and technique for induction that would reproduce ischemic necrosis of the growing femoral head in humans. Simultaneously, a pilot study was performed to verify the replication of induction in pigs, the species that has more similarities with the human hip. The pilot’s methodological analysis consists of conventional radiology and verification of possible anatomical, pathological changes. RESULTS: In imaging exams; lateral sub-dislocation of the femur head and triangular appearance of the head were observed, characterizing its flattening; in macroscopic examination, the femoral head flattening with femoral neck widening and shortening was identified; in histology, the proliferation of articular cartilage with the presence of vascular granulation regenerative tissue, with osteoclasts and fibrocartilaginous tissue in the metaphyseal femoral neck region was identified. CONCLUSION: The experimental pig model can be used as a valuable tool for the reproducibility of anatomical, pathological changes in ischemic necrosis of the growing femoral head. The model is reproducible and feasible and can be beneficial for future studies on the anatomical pathology of necrosis of the growing femoral head. Level of Evidence III, Literature Review .