Vascularity of the femoral head: 18F scintigraphy validated with tetracycline labeling

Blood flow to the femoral head was assessed by 18F positron scintigraphy and tetracycline fluorescent labeling in 17 patients undergoing replacement of the femoral head with an endoprosthesis. Radioactivity was absent in the femoral head of 10 patients, normal in 5, and increased in 2. Normal or increased radioactivity indicated presence of blood flow to the femoral head; decreased or absent radioactivity indicated absence of blood flow. Results of 18F scintigraphy correlated with those of tetracycline labeling.