The conservative treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. A comparison of core decompression and pulsing electromagnetic fields.

Once roentgenographic changes are apparent, osteonecrosis of the femoral head in the adult generally progresses to osteoarthritis within two to three years. A variety of conservative surgical procedures have been devised to conserve the femoral head with varying success. This study examines the effectiveness of pulsing electromagnetic fields and core decompression in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Both techniques reduce the incidence of clinical and roentgenographic progression. Exposure to pulsing electromagnetic fields appears to be more effective in hips with Ficat II lesions than in hips with more advanced lesions.