Clinical evaluation of core decompression with bone marrow aspirate concentrate in early-stage avascular necrosis of the hip: a prospective observational study

Authors

  • G. V. S. Rawi Babu Department of Orthopaedics, Gemcare Kamineni Hospital, Kurnool, India
  • Raviteja Ukkisala Department of Orthopaedics, Gemcare Kamineni Hospital, Kurnool, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20254217

Keywords:

Avascular necrosis, Bone marrow aspirate concentrate, Core decompression, Hip preservation, Quality of life, WOMAC scale

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of core decompression (CD) combined with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) in early-stage avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip by assessing pain, stiffness, functional impairment and quality of life (QOL).

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at Gemcare Kamineni Hospital, Kurnool, on 46 patients with early-stage AVN (ARCO I–III). Patients underwent CD with BMAC. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-operatively using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale. Data were analyzed using paired t-test.

Results: Mean pain severity score decreased from 4.18±0.90 pre-operatively to 2.50±0.86 post-operatively (p<0.05). Joint stiffness improved from 3.31±0.76 to 2.15±0.76 (p<0.05). Physical functioning score improved from 3.68±0.86 to 2.38±0.78 (p<0.05). Total WOMAC score reduced significantly from 3.75±0.90 to 2.38±0.80 (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Core decompression combined with BMAC provides significant pain relief, improves hip function and enhances quality of life in early-stage AVN, delaying disease progression and the need for total hip arthroplasty.

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Published

2025-12-26

How to Cite

Babu, G. V. S. R., & Ukkisala , R. (2025). Clinical evaluation of core decompression with bone marrow aspirate concentrate in early-stage avascular necrosis of the hip: a prospective observational study. International Journal of Research in Orthopaedics, 12(1), 134–138. https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20254217

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Original Research Articles