Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of MRI-guidance for core decompression of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
Materials and methods: Twelve MRI-guided core decompressions were performed on patients with different stages of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The patients were asked to evaluate their pain and their ability to function before and after the procedure and imaging findings were reviewed respectively.
Results: Technical success in reaching the target was 100 % without complications. Mean duration of the procedure itself was 54 min. All patients with ARCO stage 1 osteonecrosis experienced clinical benefit and pathological MRI findings were seen to diminish. Patients with more advanced disease gained less, if any, benefit and total hip arthroplasty was eventually performed on four patients.
Conclusions: MRI-guidance seems technically feasible, accurate and safe for core decompression of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Patients with early stage osteonecrosis may benefit from the procedure.
Key points: • MRI is a useful guidance method for minimally invasive musculoskeletal interventions. • Bone drilling seems beneficial at early stages of avascular necrosis. • MRI-guidance is safe and accurate for bone drilling.
Keywords: Core decompression; Femur; Interventional MRI; Musculoskeletal; Osteonecrosis.