Osteochondral lesion of the hip treated with partial femoral head resurfacing. Case report and six-year follow-up

Introduction: This case describes a case of an osteochondral lesion in the femoral head and its treatment by partial resurfacing of the femoral head using the HemiCAP (Contoured Articular Prosthetic) hip resurfacing system. Case History: A 19-year-old patient who complained of 15 months of worsening left hip pain. X-rays and MR scan revealed a large osteochondral lesion. Surgery: A Ganz approach to the hip in the lateral position was used. The osteochondral lesion was identified, lying superiorly and centrally on the head, in the weight bearing zone. The osteochondral fragment was removed and HemiCAP prosthesis applied. Outcome: At six-year follow-up the patient remains pain free clinically. And radiographic follow-up shows no evidence of loosening. Conclusion: There are multiple methods of treatment described in the literature for osteochondral lesions; but treatments for defects of the femoral head are few. We conclude that partial hip resurfacing using the HemiCAP prosthesis is an effective treatment for osteochondral defects of the femoral head.