The treatment of osteonecrosis of the hip with fresh osteochondral allografts and with the muscle pedicle graft technique.

Osteonecrosis of the hip in Stages 1 and 2 are treated by conservative measures such as rest, aspirin, and a cane. If activities of daily living are impaired or stronger analgesics become necessary the muscle pedicle graft is advised. Fresh osteochondral grafts are utilized to resurface the head of the femur in Stages 3 and 4 in vigorous patients below the age of 60 when strong analgesics are required to relieve pain. A total hip arthroplasty is the treatment of choice for all patients in Stage 5 or those beyond the age of 60 in Stages 3 and 4. Five patients have had allografts; all are doing well. Three have been followed over 2 years, one over one and one-half years, and the other over 6 months. Twenty-three patients have had muscle pedicle grafts. The results have been good in the 8 patients in Stages 1 and 2. Only 5 of the 15 patients with osteonecrosis in Stages 3 and 4 have had good results.