Femoral osteotomy for osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Osteotomy is a joint-preserving procedure for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. This article aimed to present current knowledge on the two types of femoral osteotomy, namely transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy of the femoral head and curved varus osteotomy of the proximal femur. This clinical review summarizes the basic knowledge of each type of osteotomy and reviews the surgical outcomes. The most essential requirement for successful femoral osteotomy is adequate transposition of the intact articular surface of the femoral head to the weight-bearing portion of the hip joint. Appropriate surgical indications and accurate surgical techniques that replicate preoperative planning are required to achieve long-term success. There will always be young patients for whom osteotomy is indicated. Therefore, we must continue to verify the results of the surgery and refine the techniques involved.