Non-operative Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis) Treatment

Non-operative management consists of protective weight-bearing (e.g., partial weight-bearing with crutches) for six weeks then re-evaluation. However, historical reviews of the natural progression in non-surgically managed cases document an 85-92% risk of progression. In one series of 55 such hips, 84% required total hip replacement, usually within three years of diagnosis. Even in the most favorable early stages (e.g., FICAT 1,2), 69% required total hip replacement.