Avascular necrosis of the femoral head: a review of the indications and results of Sugioka's transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy.

The results of Sugioka's trans-trochanteric anterior rotational osteotomy are reported. Seventeen cases of idiopathic avascular necrosis of the femoral head have been operated upon and followed-up for between 10 to 48 months, with an average of 25.2 months. Since 1975 the operative technique and complications are described and the clinical results were assessed according to Patterson's criteria. These results are compared with previous methods of treatment. The short term results of Sugioka's method are favorable in cases with a small to medium sized necrosis. This new method of re-orientation of the head provides an intact part of the femoral head for weight bearing and therefore would seem to be appropriate in cases without established osteo-arthritis.