"How to Approach Conservative Treatment for Femoral Head Necrosis?"

Femoral Head Necrosis: Pathological Evolution and Treatment Approaches

Femoral head necrosis is a pathological process that initially manifests in the weight-bearing area of the femoral head. Under stress, the trabecular structure of the necrotic bone undergoes damage, resulting in microscopic fractures, followed by a repair process for the damaged bone tissue. The treatment options for femoral head necrosis are primarily divided into conservative management and surgical intervention.

Conservative management is primarily suited for patients in the early and mid-stages of femoral head necrosis. If the condition progresses to the late stage or conservative measures yield insufficient results, surgical intervention may be necessary. For patients with femoral head necrosis, reducing the weight-bearing load on the affected limb is crucial. Aids such as crutches and wheelchairs can be employed to alleviate the load, thereby mitigating pain and preventing disease progression.

To address pain symptoms, patients can follow medical advice and use medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for relief. Additionally, drugs that promote bone growth, such as calcium supplements and vitamin D, can be administered. Physical therapies like physiotherapy and acupuncture can also alleviate pain, improve local blood circulation, and facilitate the absorption of necrotic bone and the formation of new bone. Once pain and inflammation are under control, appropriate functional exercises, including joint mobility training and muscle strength training, can be performed to maintain joint mobility and prevent muscle atrophy.

Reducing the weight-bearing load on the affected limb remains vital for femoral head necrosis patients. The use of assistive devices like crutches and wheelchairs can help ease the load, reduce pain, and prevent disease worsening. Medications prescribed by doctors, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can alleviate pain symptoms. Moreover, bone growth-promoting agents like calcium and vitamin D can be administered. Physical therapies like physiotherapy and acupuncture can ease pain, enhance local blood circulation, and promote the resorption of necrotic bone and the formation of new bone. Following adequate control of pain and inflammation, patients can engage in appropriate functional exercises, like joint range of motion and muscle strength training, to maintain joint mobility and prevent muscle atrophy.

Although femoral head necrosis lesions are mostly localized, even in severe cases, the ability to walk can be restored through artificial hip replacement surgery. Patients are advised to maintain healthy routines and a positive mindset, which can aid in the recovery of the femoral head.