Physiotherapeutic approach to osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A case series

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v27i5.1208

Keywords:

Osteonecrosis; Femur Head Necrosis; Physiotherapy; Range of Motion; Rehabilitation; Quality of Life.

Abstract

Introduction: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a debilitating condition characterized by disruption of the blood supply to the femoral head, leading to pain, functional impairment, and reduced quality of life. Objective: To describe the clinical and functional outcomes of patients diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the femoral head undergoing physical therapy and to evaluate the effects of the interventions on pain, joint range of motion, and functional performance. Methods: This descriptive case series included two patients diagnosed with ONFH. Data were collected through patient interviews, medical record review, and physical therapy assessments, including the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, goniometric measurements, special orthopedic tests, and functional assessments using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and the 30-Second Chair Stand Test. Results: Both patients demonstrated reduced pain and improved joint range of motion following the physical therapy intervention. Patient 1 exhibited greater functional improvement, with improved performance on functional tests and increased joint mobility, whereas Patient 2 showed improvements primarily related to pain reduction. Conclusion: The findings suggest that physical therapy may play an important role in the conservative management of osteonecrosis of the femoral head, contributing to pain relief, improved joint mobility, improved functional performance, and better quality of life.

Author Biographies

  • Amanda Cristina Groth Ceron, UCEFF

    Discente do Curso de Fisioterapia - Universidade Central de Educação Faem Faculdades (UCEFF), Chapecó, SC, Brasil

  • Vanessa Schneider da Silva, UCEFF

    Discente do Curso de Fisioterapia - Universidade Central de Educação Faem Faculdades (UCEFF), Chapecó, SC, Brasil

  • Marcos Antônio Bilibio, UCEFF

    Docente do Curso de Fisioterapia - Unidade Central de Educação Faem Faculdades (UCEFF), Chapecó, SC, Brasil

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Published

2026-08-04

How to Cite

Physiotherapeutic approach to osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A case series. (2026). Fisioterapia Brasil, 27(5), 4096-4106. https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v27i5.1208