Treatment of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (aseptic necrosis) is a condition in which bone tissue in the femoral head dies due to impaired blood supply to the hip joint. The disease leads to pain, restricted mobility, and, if left untreated, may result in joint degeneration and the need for joint replacement.

When is treatment for avascular necrosis of the femoral head required?

• Pain in the hip region, especially in the hip joint, that worsens with walking and physical load.
• Limited range of motion in the hip joint and gait disturbance.
• Changes in the shape of the femur leading to joint deformity and dysfunction.
• Progression of the disease despite conservative treatment.

Treatment methods for avascular necrosis of the femoral head

Conservative treatment (early stages)

• Pharmacological therapy. Use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Physiotherapy. Therapeutic exercises aimed at improving blood circulation in the joint and strengthening surrounding muscles.
• Orthopedic support. Use of canes, crutches, and special insoles to reduce load on the affected joint.
• Medications to improve microcirculation and support cartilage metabolism, including chondroprotective agents.

Surgical treatment (advanced stages)

• Core decompression of the femoral head. Drilling or needle decompression to reduce intraosseous pressure and improve blood supply.
• Osteotomy. Surgical realignment of the femur to redistribute load and improve blood flow to the femoral head.
• Total hip arthroplasty. Replacement of the hip joint with a prosthesis in severe cases when other treatments are ineffective.
• Bone grafting. In selected cases with limited joint destruction, bone grafts may be used to restore the femoral head.

Advantages of treating avascular necrosis of the femoral head in Belarus

• Effective pain relief and restoration of joint mobility.
• Prevention of disease progression and improvement in quality of life.
• Reduced risk of secondary osteoarthritis with timely intervention.
• Opportunity to return to an active lifestyle after successful rehabilitation.

Recovery after treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head

• Rehabilitation with therapeutic exercise programs to restore joint mobility and muscle strength.
• Use of orthopedic aids (crutches, insoles, orthoses) to reduce joint load during recovery.
• Medication support to control inflammation and promote tissue healing.
• Follow-up monitoring with X-ray imaging and MRI examinations.

When should medical attention be sought?

• Persistent pain in the hip joint accompanied by reduced mobility.
• Gait disturbances, changes in femoral shape, or pain that increases with activity.
• Lack of improvement with conservative treatment and signs of disease progression.

In Belarus, treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head is provided in modern orthopedic and traumatology clinics equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical technologies. Contemporary treatment approaches allow patients to recover function and prevent further progression of the disease.