Middle and long-term results of flexion osteotomy for avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

The authors present the results of 19 flexion osteotomies performed in cases of avascular necrosis of the femoral head and followed up after an average of 8 1/2 years. Significant clinical improvement was achieved in 85% of the patients. The radiographic picture is not quite as positive, but only 26% of the patients developed severe degenerative arthritis. The authors therefore consider this technique to be a valid alternative to immediate prosthetic replacement in selected patients.