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 grafts 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. In comparison to angiographic results, nine patent and two occluded grafts were demonstrated correctly by color Doppler 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 angiography as a standard. Color Doppler imaging is suited to evaluate vascular patency after use of vascularized pedicle bone grafts in the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.