Diagnostic methods in ischemic necrosis of the femoral head

Ischemic necrosis of the femoral head (INFH) must be diagnosed at an early stage of development, when therapeutic approaches such as forage biopsy or osteotomy can prevent or slow the normal progression of the disease to arthrosis. In this article, on the basis of the pathological changes that characterize process, we review the advantages and limitations of the principal diagnostic techniques (table I) currently employed in the study of INFH. (Author)