CompletedPhase 1

Treatment of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head by Bone Marrow Transplantation

Belgium21 participantsStarted 1999-01

Plain-language summary

Aseptic non traumatic osteonecrosis (ON) is a painful disorder of the hip which often leads, in its final stage, to femoral head collapse and subsequent total hip replacement. Core decompression of the hip is the most widespread procedure used to treat early stage ON of the femoral head. Notwithstanding the fact that this procedure has been employed for more than three decades (2), its efficacy remains controversial (3;4). Recently, one suggested that ON might be a disease of bone cells and/or of mesenchymal cells. The levels of activity and the number of mesenchymal stem cells in both the hematopoietic and in the stromal compartments of the bone marrow have been shown to be depressed in patients with ON of the femoral head (9). The investigators have showed previously that the capacity of osteoblastic cells to replicate was decreased in the proximal femur of patients with ON of the femoral head (10). This finding raised the possibility that bone marrow containing stromal cells which have many of the characteristics of stem cell for mesenchymal tissues including bone could be implanted into the necrotic lesion of the femoral head.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * ARCO stage 1 or 2 osteonecrosis of the femoral head Exclusion Criteria: * The investigators excluded patients with evidence of a malignant disorder during the past five years.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

WOMAC Score

Timeframe: 60 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00821470

SponsorErasme University Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2008-09

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