Failure of a properly positioned tantalum rod for treatment of early femoral head necrosis and conversion to total hip arthroplasty

Background Conventional core decompression (CD) is a well-known procedure for treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Weight bearing is usually restricted in the early postoperative weeks to avoid the risk of fracture. Theoretically, a properly positioned implantation of the new tantalum rod after reaming of the necrotic area has the advantages of decompression, supports the remaining bone to avoid collapse, lowers the risk of subtrochanteric fracture, and allows for early weight bearing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of the tantalum rod in the management of early avascular necrosis.