Core decompression with bone marrow aspirate concentrate in post collapse avascular necrosis of hip: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Avascular necrosis (AVN) of femoral head is commonly seen in middle age groups and in its advanced stages, it is a common indication for total hip replacements (THRs). These patients invariably require revision surgeries in their lifetime and modalities to delay the first arthroplasty are necessary. Core decompression (CD) with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) have proved successful in early stages of AVN, but their role in advanced stages remains unclear. The present review was done to assess the same. Research question Is CD and BMAC combination effective in delaying radiographic progression and THRs in post collapse stages of AVN hip? Methodology A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the overall efficacy of CD and BMAC in post collapse stages of AVN hip and to specifically compare primary outcomes like radiographic progression along with need of THR, with CD alone.Three data bases (PubMed, EMBASE and SCOPUS) were searched to identify relevant articles. Results The present review included 12 studies with 3 studies included in the meta-analysis. There were 270 hips across the 12 studies out of which 196 hips were treated with CD + BMAC. Primary outcomes 39.8% cases worsened from stage 3 to stage 4, while the overall incidence of THR in stages 3 and 4 was 38.3%. On comparison with CD alone the combination of CD + BMAC did not show any enhanced efficacy in either delaying progression (Odds ratio of 1.41 (95% CI = 0.55–3.62) or in conversion to THR (Odds Ratio: 0. 92; 95% CI = 0.41–2.06) Conclusion CD can be considered in stage 3 of AVN in younger population to delay the need of arthroplasty, before severe head distortion and arthritis sets in, and can be supplemented with bone strut grafts or tantalum rods, for supporting the articular cartilage. BMAC that has shown better results in early AVN, has not shown any additional benefits when compared to CD alone in advanced cases.