In this procedure, a segment of bone is taken from the small bone in your leg (fibula) along with its blood supply (an artery and vein). Vascularized Fibula GraftĪnother surgical option is a vascularized fibula graft. It is importat to speak with your surgeon about the available options that may be used for your procedure. Sometimes, your own bone marrow cells may be mixed together with the graft substitute to help in the bone regeneration process. There are also several synthetic bone grafts available today. The tissue may be taken from a donor (allograft) or from another bone in your body (autograft). A bone graft is healthy bone tissue that is transplanted to an area of the body where it is needed. (Right) In this X-ray, the drill lines show the pathway of the small drill holes used in the procedure.Ĭore decompression is often combined with bone and cartilage grafting to help regenerate healthy bone and support cartilage at the hip joint. (Left) Illustration of core decompression. Osteonecrosis is associated with other diseases, including Caisson disease (diver's disease, or 'the bends'), sickle cell disease, myeloproliferative disorders, Gaucher's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn's disease, arterial embolism, thrombosis, and vasculitis. Although it is not known exactly why these medications can lead to osteonecrosis, research shows that there is a connection between the disease and long-term corticosteroid use. Many diseases, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, are treated with steroid medications. Overconsumption of alcohol over time can cause fatty deposits to form in the blood vessels and can elevate cortisone levels, resulting in a decreased blood supply to the bone. Hip dislocations, hip fractures, and other injuries to the hip can damage the blood vessels and impair circulation to the femoral head. It is not always known what causes the lack of blood supply, but doctors have identified a number of risk factors that can make someone more likely to develop osteonecrosis: In osteonecrosis, the bone in the head of the femur slowly dies.

Left hip xray normal vs arthritis