Electrical stimulation in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head--a 1-year follow-up.

To date, there is no completely satisfactory method for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. "Conservative" management leads to a high failure rate, and surgical results have been inconsistent and disappointing. The study described in this article seeks to evaluate the role of electrical stimulation in conjunction with decompression and bone grafting. A total of 82 hips have been included to date, of which 42 with a minimum follow-up of 1 year have been evaluated. Pain relief and improved function have been noted in the majority of hips operated on, both with and without electrical stimulation. Careful radiologic assessment using a comprehensive new method of evaluation has shown some degree of progression in the majority of cases, however. No effects of electrical stimulation per se have been demonstrated to date. It must be emphasized that this is a preliminary report with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Final conclusions await the completion of the study, when all patients have been followed for a minimum of 3 years.