What Is a Hip Core Decompression?

Avascular necrosis is a disease that causes the loss of blood flow to a bone. One of the common places that this occurs is the hip, and core decompression is one of the most effective surgeries to treat it.

Procedure

• During the procedure, a surgeon will drill into the femoral neck (hip bone) and through the necrotic area of the bone that died from the lack of blood flow.

Function

• After the procedure, the missing bone will regenerate because of the reduced pressure within the bone and increased blood flow.

Types

• If 15 percent of less of the femoral head is damaged, surgery might not be necessary. Otherwise, surgery is the best method. Core decompression surgery is especially effective for people who are only in the beginning stages of avascular necrosis.

Post-Surgery Care

• Patients who get core decompression surgery should use crutches for at least six weeks after the operation to reduce the risk of fracturing their hip.

Bone Grafting

• In more severe cases of avascular necrosis, bone grafting might be necessary. After a core decompression, bone is taken from the tibula (bone below the knee) and placed in the hole where hip bone was removed.