The fibula is ideally suited because it is the same size and shape as the channel, and it is one of the few expendable bones in the human body. The channel is sized to accommodate the fibular graft, and then the length of fibula with its blood vessels and a small amount of external soft tissue attached is placed into the channel. The artery and vein of the graft are connected to blood vessels surrounding the hip. As the graft heals, the fibula fuses into the surrounding bone of the femoral head. Patients remain hospitalized for only a few days, but they must use crutches for at least three months after fibular grafting to keep weight off of their leg.
Patients perform exercises to maintain their leg strength and mobility during the recovery period.
Although there is much to be learned about avascular necrosis, the management of this condition has improved considerably.