Avascular necrosis of femoral head: a short review

Abstract

Avascular necrosis of femoral head (AVNFH) is the commonest cause of hip joint destruction leading to hip replacement in Hong Kong. Steroid and alcohol are the two commonest causes of AVNFH. Management of this painful and progressive situation in its' early stages remains a controversial subject but when the painful hip is affecting the patient's quality of life, a hip replacement is the treatment of choice for pain relief. However, there are concerns about the longevity of the hip replacement in this group of relatively young and active patients. Recent advances in the artificial hip joint such as the use of metal or ceramic may prolong the survivorship of the prosthesis even in the very young and very active patients.