Comparison of Total Hip Arthroplasty and Core Decompression in Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head after Taking Temgesic and Norgesic

BACKGROUND Osteonecrosis is common after taking Temgesic and Norgesic. This study intended to suggest the preferable surgical treatment in osteonecrosis patients who use these drugs. METHODS Twenty tree patients with hip osteonecrosis who were hospitalized in the Kerman hospitals after using Temgesic and Norgesic were followed for about 14 months from 2008 to 2010 (from a minimum of 2 months to a maximum of 2 years). 65% of patients underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) and core decompression was performed for 35% of them. Patients were compared based on functional scoring of hip before and after surgery. FINDINGS Duration of drug use was 38 months on average and injection frequency of drug was averagely 3 months. The average functional scoring of hip was 9.1 before operation and 16 after it (P < 0.001). Recovery rate of patients in THA was very good and in core decompression was good. CONCLUSION In treatment of osteonecrosis after taking Temgesic and Norgesic, the THA surgery in comparison with core decompression showed better results and caused significant clinical improvement.