Results of free vascularized fibular grafting for femoral head osteonecrosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a known complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. Patients often require surgical intervention at an early age. Options include total hip arthroplasty, core decompression, and free vascularized fibular grafting. Because these patients are usually young, any procedure that avoids total hip arthroplasty, especially if it does not make joint replacement more difficult, would be most desirable. Free vascularized fibular grafting is an effective method of treating osteonecrosis of the femoral head. In patients with lupus erythematosus, results of free vascularized fibular grafting at a minimum 2-year follow-up are similar to those in patients without a diagnosis of lupus.