Objective To review the relationshi p between heritable hypercoagulable state (HHCS) and avascular necrosis of femoral head (ANFH). Methods The latest original articles about the relationshi p between HHCS and ANFH were extensively reviewed. Results Several genetic mutations which could cause HHCS, such as thrombophilic factor V G1691A gene, thrombophilic factor II G20210A gene, 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T gene, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 4G/5G, and tissue factor pathway inhibitor gene, may be genetic risks of ANFH. Conclusion HHCS may be a genetic cause of ANFH. Further studies are needed to confirm the relationship between HHCS and Chinese ANFH.
