COLOR DOPPLER IMAGING ASSESSMENT OF BLOOD-FLOW IN VASCULARIZED PEDICLE GRAFTS FOR AVASCULAR NECROSIS OF THE FEMORAL-HEAD - ANGIOGRAPHIC CORRELATION

The aim of this study was to examine whether color Doppler imaging can be used to assess vascular patency after use of pedicle pelvic bone g rafts in the operative treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. We performed color Doppler imaging and selective angiography in 10 consecutive patients (12 hip joints) treated for avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Ln comparison to angiographic results, nine pate nt and two occluded grafts were demonstrated correctly by color Dopple r imaging. In one case, a graft confirmed as patent by angiography was not demonstrable by color Doppler imaging. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of color Doppler imaging were high when compared to angio graphy as a standard. Color Doppler imaging is suited to evaluate vasc ular patency after use of vascularized pedicle bone grafts in the trea tment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.