Abstract

Background: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is a frequent cause of musculoskeletal disability. Its preoperative staging is of utmost importance in determining the appropriate treatment option.
Patients and Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, data were collected from one hundred patients of various ages ,conducted from May 2022 to November 2023 to those patients who were referred and diagnosed with avascular necrosis from specialized orthopedics at specialized hospitals in Duhok city, magnetic resonance imaging study with different sequences suitable to the hip region has been undergone .Data included information about the demographic distribution of the patients and the prevalence of avascular necrosis in addition to imaging staging of avascular necrosis of the femoral heads, following the Ficat - Arlet and Mitchell classifications.
Results:
The age group most affected by the disease is between 20 and 40 years, accounting for 56% of the cases. Males show a statistically significant higher prevalence than females, making up 86% of the total number. Bilateral involvement is more common than unilateral involvement, accounting for 62% compared to 38%. Trauma shows significant correlation as the most common risk factor for the disease, accounting for 51% of cases. Bone marrow edema shows statistically significant values as the most commonly found symptom, accounting for 91% of cases. Stage II is the most common stage among individuals under the age of 20. Stage III is the most common among individuals aged 21-40. Stage IV is the most prevalent in the age group of 41-60 (Ficat and Arlet). Class D shows the most common values, accounting for 37% of cases, followed by Class C at 34% (Mitchell).
Conclusions: MRI is indispensable for the early and accurate detection and staging of AVN, which facilitates a better response to treatment.