Femoral Head Osteonecrosis Following a Hip Arthroscopy; A Case Report

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is an uncommon complication following hip arthroscopy, generally due to an excessive traction of the limb and high intracapsular pressures of the hip. This complication entails catastrophic outcomes for the femoral head with collapse and degeneration, resulting in another surgical procedure. We present a case of a 21 year-old soccer player that underwent arthroscopy of the left hip for an anterolateral impingement and CAM lesion, and returned three months later complaining of hip pain. MRI reported osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Total bearing restrictions, electromagnetic field therapy, oral calcium and calcitonine were indicated. One year later there was no evidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head by MRI and radiography, and the patient was painless and performing high level sport activities. Early diagnosis and treatment of this complication can avoid permanent damage of the femoral head.