Objective To review the researches on the jointpreserving procedures for the treatment of the avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head. Methods The latest original literatures about the joint-preserving procedures for the treatment of AVN of the femoral head were extensively reviewed. Results There were many surgical jointpreserving procedures to treat AVN of the femoral head, such as core decompression, bone grafting, and osteotomy. Most researchers achieved excellent clinical results by using the joint-preserving procedures to treat the early stages of AVN of the femoral head. Conclusion Treating AVN of the femoral head by the joint-preserving procedures, especially the free vascularized fibula grafting, can achieve an excellent longterm clinical outcome.
