Mesenchymal stem cells cultured on tantalum used in early-stage avascular necrosis of the femoral head

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) is a common ailment characterized by necrosis of bone trabecular and bone marrow. It's mainly caused by the destruction of the blood supply in the femoral head and high rate of morbidity and disability is involved. Many methods have been tried including conservative treatment as drugs, electric stimulus, shock wave and electromagnetic field therapy and surgeries as core compression, rotary osteotomy and vascularized bone graft, but neither of them has definitive effect. Recently mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and tantalum robust have been widely used in ANFH. They have definite cure effects but advantages and disadvantages should not be neglected. In this paper, we hypothesize that mesenchymal stem cells cultured on tantalum can be used to prevent collapse of the articular surface in patients with ANFH. Unlike current treatment modalities, it would promote the regeneration of femoral head, provide structural support and allow for bony substitution over time. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.