Yashoda Hospitals offers advanced core decompression procedures for patients with personalized care and cutting-edge techniques.
Core decompression surgery is a surgical procedure used to treat avascular necrosis, also known as osteonecrosis, of the hip joint. It is also known as a death of bone; as a result, it causes the collapse of the joint. The general aim of the procedure is to improve blood flow to the section of the bone that may be damaged, stimulate healing of the bone, and therefore prevent further bone destruction. Core decompression Core decompression is a procedure performed under general or regional anesthesia. The two approaches that may be taken are open and arthroscopic. The former is based on a traditional hip incision, whereas the latter takes the route of arthroscopy with small incisions, besides employing a special camera inside the joint itself.
Unilateral core decompression is a common approach for AVN diagnosis in one hip, while bilateral core decompression involves surgery on both hips during the same procedure, depending on the condition’s stage and affected joint. Core decompression surgeries are typically performed by orthopedic surgeons in most cases.
Preparation: The surgeon would engage the patient in the case history, medications, and allergies, then perform a physical examination before performing the surgical operation. They could request tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, and blood tests to determine the extent of the condition. They should inform the patient about the use of anesthesia, the recovery period, risks, and how pain will be managed before surgery.
During the surgery: The patient will be placed on an operating table, anesthetized with a general or regional anesthetic, have the area prepared with sterilization, and experience a minimally invasive technique through small incisions. The surgeon uses instruments to create core channels in the femoral head and employs a specialized camera to visualize the joint. When the core channels are created, the surgeon sutures the small incisions shut.
After the surgery: The patient will be monitored in a recovery room and prescribed pain medication to manage postoperative distress after surgery. The patient can either be discharged from hospital directly after surgery in the case of an arthroscopic or a short stay following an open surgery.
Core decompression recovery: Core decompression heals and reestablishes blood flow but usually requires a few months. Crutches or walkers are necessary for 6–12 weeks to avoid putting weight across the hip joint. It is contingent on progression and the extent of AVN when daily activities will be resumed.
Post-procedure care: Core decompression postoperative care:
| Procedure Name | Core Decompression Surgery |
| Type of Surgery | Arthroscopic or open |
| Type of Anesthesia | General anesthesia |
| Procedure Duration | 30 min to 2 hours |
| Recovery Duration | Few weeks to few months |
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Core decompression surgery takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the surgical approach, complexity of the case, and the surgeon’s experience. Open decompression takes 1 to 2 hours, while arthroscopic decompression is quicker. However, complex cases may require longer durations.
Bone heals and blood supply resumes following a successful core decompression. Months may pass before bones are rebuilt. Crutches or walkers may be necessary for up to 6–12 weeks, and time off at work is necessary. A minimum of three months is sometimes required before an individual can walk again. Surgeons can follow the recovery by following x-rays and MRI scans and also refer patients to physical therapists for better range of motion and pain relief.
Apparently, core decompression surgery for avascular necrosis appears to be quite safe, though the rate of success may vary significantly among studies from 60% to 80%. Alternately, arthroscopic core decompression can be offered in place of the traditional open method with less incision size, risk of infection, and blood loss.
With core decompression surgery, the hip joint’s blood circulation is improved while slowing down further degeneration of the bone involved, hence reconstructing mobility. It, in effect, prevents or delays a total hip replacement significantly, especially in younger patients. The method also avails a minimally invasive approach with smaller incisions and reduced pain, quicker recovery, and fewer complications.
Patients who would be placed on core decompression surgery for AVN would need to walk on crutches, use a walker, or on a wheelchair for 6–12 weeks to enable the surgical site to heal and avoid undue stress to the hip joint. Pain management and muscle strengthening, preparing the patient for ambulation with assistive devices, will be among the paramount areas of concentration in physical therapy.
After experiencing surgery for hip avascular necrosis, a patient should follow several issues, including weight-bearing restrictions, wound care, pain management, physical therapy, preventiveness of blood clotting, high impact activity avoidance, and lifestyle changes. Sometimes patients wear compression stockings and engage themselves in leg exercises, maintain a healthy weight, reducing body stress, and indeed, do follow the doctor’s instructions for wound care.
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