Holes drilled into the head of the femur will ease pressure on the bone and allow for proper blood flow to the hip joint and associated bones.
What is it?
Osteonecrosis also know as Avascular Necrosis, is a disease that affects bones. This condition is responsible for bone death and deterioration. The top of the leg bone (femoral head) that fits into the hip socket begins to break down and die. This bone death usually occurs because the blood supply is cut off to that part of the bone. Lack of blood supply could be due to some reasons such as blood clots, a trauma that severs the blood vessels in the bone, and radiation therapy that damages the vessels. Core Decompression relieves the pressure within the femoral head and creates new passageways for blood flow to regenerate.
What should I do to prepare?
Preparing for any surgery can be stressful. It is best to understand and talk with your doctor about what will happen during the surgery and what to expect after it is complete. Having a family member or close friend with you the day of surgery can help alleviate some stress. Scans and preoperative testing will be conducted to determine the best approach to restoring blood flow and relieve pressure in the hip. A patient should not eat or drink after the midnight before surgery. Crutches and walkers will be recommended for weeks following the surgery to let the bone heal and prevent fractures. This may require time off from work and other physical activities.
What happens during the process?
A patient undergoing core decompression surgery will not be conscious during the procedure. A surgeon will start by drilling multiple small holes or one large hole in the femoral head. This will release the pressure on the femoral head and hip joint. These holes also allow blood vessels to regenerate and new channels to supply blood to the bone. This procedure will help to prevent arthritis of the hip and the possible collapse of the femoral head.
What are the risks and possible complications?
Any surgery involving bones, muscles, or tendons will pose a risk for re-injury or injury to another part of the surrounding area. Infections, bleeding, and loss of function are possible with this surgery. Rejection of the bone graft is also a possibility with Core Decompression Surgery. There is also the chance that there will be damage to blood vessels and nerves in the leg and hip.
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Image Source:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Hip_Avascular_Necrosis.jpg
