Titanium alloy cage implantation for the treatment of ischemic necrosis of femoral head in dogs

To study the effect of titanium alloy cage on the treatment of the ischemic necrosis of femoral head in dog, the model of the ischemic necrosis of femoral head was made with the liquid nitrogen in 15 hybrid adult dogs. The titanium alloy cage made of a hollow cylinder was driven into the subchondral bone of necrotic femoral head via central channel. The dogs were divided into 3 groups, each group was sacrificed 3, 6, 12 weeks after the operation respectively. No collapse of femoral head was observed after the operation. The position of the cages was good on radiograph. Microscopically, the cancellous bone of necrotic femoral head rebuilt gradually and grew into cage. After 12 weeks of creeping substitution, the cancellous bone filled up the hollow cavity and holes of the cages. It is concluded that the titanium alloy cage can provide structural support for the subchondral bone and prevent collapse and can be used for the treatment of the ischemic necrosis of femoral head.