Bilateral Idiopathic Necrosis of the Head of the Femur: Report of a Case

A case of the bilateral idiopathic aseptic necrosis of the femoral head which was treated by a Colonnas arthroplasty and was followed by an Austin Moores prosthesis on the other hip joint satisfactorily is reported with review of literatures. A 44-year-old woman has a long history of steroid therapy for allevation of pain which started in hips for many months and also had an indigestion secondary to chronic hepatic disease. Diagnosis of the idiopathic necrosis of the femoral head was made by the typical roentgenologic findings and the clinical symptoms, and it was confirmed by the operative findings. The choice of treatment in bilateral idiopathic necrosis of the head of the femur is considered to be cup arthroplasty, but circumstances under which cup and instruments are not available certain another surgical procedures should be considered such as other metalic replacement or non-metalic arthroplasty. Here in this case Colonnas arthroplasty without metalic replacement in a hip and the prosthetic replacement in the other joint were thought to be the best procedure. Bilatal Colonnas arthroplasty is not chosen because they develop bilateral abduction deformity of the hips. She was discharged from the hospital with a pair of crutches in good function in her hips without any complication.