Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head (ONFH) After Renal Transplantation

Approximately 25,000 patients undergo renal transplantation every year worldwide due to end-stage renal disease(ESRD). Renal transplantation is expected to lead to a progressive correction of the established renal bone disease, and osteonecrosis of the femoral head(ONFH) is a common and severe complication in these patients. It induces deformity of the hip joint and reduces the quality of life, especially in the young population ranging from 20 to 50 years old. Total hip replacement is not reasonable in this population due to the finite lifespan of implants. Clinical results suggest that free vascularized fibular grafting(FVFG) can slow or potentially halt the progression of osteonecrosis, it offers an alternative method for preserving the femoral head in younger renal transplant recipients.