Combined vascularized iliac and greater trochanter graftings for reconstruction of the osteonecrosis femoral head with collapse: reports of three cases with 20 years follow-up

In this report, we present the long-term results of using combined vascularized iliac and greater trochanter graftings for reconstruction of the osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) with collapse in three patients. Necrosis over two-thirds of the femoral head and collapse were observed in these patients, with Harris hip scores (HHS) of 46, 38, and 49 points, respectively. When the patients underwent the femoral head reconstruction procedures, the ages of the patients ranged from 20 to 28 years old. The patients were followed-up for 20-24 years. X-ray examinations showed no progress of necrosis or deformity in the femoral head of patients after surgery, with the exception of bone absorption in one patient with persistence of mild pain. The HHS in the three patients were 84, 65, and 86 points at the end of follow-up, respectively. These results show that the vascularized iliac and greater trochanter graftings may be a valuable option for reconstruction of the ONFH with collapse in younger patients.