Modified Kerboul Angle Predicts Outcome of Core Decompression With or Without Additional Cell Therapy

J Arthroplasty. 2021 Jun;36(6):1879-1886. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2021.01.075. Epub 2021 Feb 2.

Abstract

Background: Core decompression is the most common procedure for early-stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). This study investigated outcomes of core decompression with/without bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), based on the Kerboul combined necrotic angles using magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods: We reviewed 66 patients (83 hips) with early ONFH, Association Research Circulation Osseous stages I-IIIa, who underwent core decompression alone (26 patients, 33 hips) or in combination with BMAC (40 patients, 50 hips). Survival rate and progressive collapse were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) was evaluated. Subgroup analyses based on the modified Kerboul angle were performed: grade I (<200°), grade II (200°-249°), grade III (250°-299°), and grade IV (≥300°).

Results: Mean follow-up was 36 ± 23 months. Femoral head collapse with BMAC (16 hips, 32%) was significantly lower than without BMAC (19 hips, 58%, P = .019). Conversion THA was significantly lower with BMAC (28%) than without (58%, P = .007). Survival rates among groups showed significant differences (P = .017). In grade I, 0/12 hips with BMAC collapsed while 3/9 (33%) without BMAC collapsed (P = .063); in grade II, 2/16 hips (12%) with BMAC collapsed while 7/13 (54%) without BMAC collapsed (P = .023). There was no significant difference in collapse with (64%) or without (82%) BMAC in grade III-IV hips (P = .256).

Conclusion: Core decompression with/without BMAC had a high failure rate, by increasing disease progression and the necessity for THA, for combined necrotic angles >250°. In our study, addition of BMAC had more reliable outcomes than isolated core decompression for precollapse ONFH if the combined necrotic angles were <250°.

Keywords: Kerboul angle; bone marrow aspirate concentrate; core decompression; hip preservation; osteonecrosis; total hip arthroplasty.

MeSH terms

  • Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy
  • Decompression, Surgical
  • Femur Head / surgery
  • Femur Head Necrosis* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Treatment Outcome