Optimal parameters and Biomechanical analysis of the lightbulb technique for osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a finite element analysis

BackgroundThe lightbulb technique (LBT) is a common surgical procedure for treating peri-collapse osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). However, the drilling parameters and biomechanics of the technique have not been analyzed. The aim of this study was to optimize the biomechanical stability of the LBT by finite element (FE) analysis to guide intraoperative and postoperative schemes.MethodsFE models were established based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult, including three different degrees of necrotic lesion (60 degrees, 100 degrees, 115 degrees), drilling locations (points C and L) and diameters (1.0 cm, 1.5 cm). The stress of the drilling entrance area, superior and inferior edges of the femoral neck, and bone flap was evaluated under three different loads at 0.5 times body weight (0.5 BW, standing on two feet), 2.75 BW (standing on one foot), and 4 BW (walking with the middle foot on the ground).ResultsThe stress of the superior and inferior edges of femoral neck, entrance, and bone flap increased as drilling diameter increased. The maximum Von Mises stress of proximal femur does not exceed its yield strength with diameter of 1.0 cm, except for diameter of 1.5 cm. The stress of entrance area and bone flap cortex at point L were higher than those at point C with same diameter. Moreover, the stress of femoral neck and entrance area decreased as the range of lesions increased, except for bone flap cortex. Furthermore, the maximum Von Mises stress of proximal femur did not exceed its yield strength with patients standing on one or both feet and walking process (4BW) with drilling diameter of 1.0 cm at points C or L after surgery, except for diameter of 1.5 cm. Meanwhile, the angles reaching to the coronal plane and transverse plane of weight-bearing area through point L with diameter of 1.0 cm were smaller than those through point C.ConclusionsThe optimal parameters of LBT can be selected with a diameter of 1.0 cm at point L. Patients can load partial weight to stimulate the healing of the necrotic area after surgery, but avoid beyond middle foot weight during walking.