Free vascularized fibular grafts for femoral head osteonecrosis: alternative technique utilizing a buttress plate for graft fixation

Core decompression with free vascularized fibular grafting is an effective hip preservation treatment for osteonecrosis of the femoral head. This procedure has traditionally utilized a single Kirschner wire to secure the fibular strut within the femoral neck. While this method has proven effective, migration of the Kirschner wire remains the most common recipient site complication. Additionally the presence of the Kirschner wire traversing the intramedullary canal can also complicate future hip arthroplasty. Therefore, this article describes a simple graft fixation technique utilizing a buttress plate that obviates migration problems. Ten patients are presented with at least 6 months of follow-up who have been treated with this technique without complications. This fixation method is simple and eliminates a major potential complication and allows for easier conversion to total hip arthroplasty.