The incidence of conversion to hip arthroplasty after core decompression

Aims Core decompression is a commonly performed procedure to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) prior to femoral head collapse. The aim of the study was to identify the incidence of hip arthroplasty after core decompression and the potential risk factors for conversion through a nationwide population-based study. Methods Patients who received core decompression for ONFH between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2018 and were followed up until 31 December 2019 (mean 33 months (0.2 to 132)) were retrieved from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance claims database. A total of 2,918 patients were identified and included in the study. The mean age at the time of core decompression was 46 years (SD 12.5), with a male-to-female ratio of 7:3. The first total hip arthroplasty or hip hemiarthroplasty after the index core decompression was considered as the outcome of conversion to hip arthroplasty. For the analysis of conversion risk, patients’ demographic characteristics, economic status, comorbidities, and data on the type of hospital and surgeons’ experience were included. Results Overall, 20.05% of patients received a hip arthroplasty within six months following core decompression, with the incidence rising to 60.6% by five years and 66.4% by ten years. Multivariable analysis revealed that patients aged over 40 years (HR 1.18 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.30); p = 0.002), who had a history of alcohol abuse (HR 1.57 (95% CI 1.22 to 2.02); p < 0.001), and had their procedures performed at district-level hospitals (HR 1.13 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.26; p = 0.044), were at increased risk of conversion to hip arthroplasty following core decompression. Conclusion The five- and ten-year cumulative incidence of conversion to hip arthroplasty after core decompression was 60.6% and 66.4%, respectively. Significant risk factors for conversion to hip arthroplasty included age over 40 years, history of alcohol abuse, and procedures performed at district hospitals. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(3):308–313.