Lateral pillar is the key in supporting pre-collapse osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a finite element model analysis of propensity-score matched cohorts.

Through FEM analysis, stress concentration to the lateral pillar and the primary compression trabeculae can be used to predict future collapse in ONFH with high probability. Results provide a simple and intuitive, yet valuable information to aid surgeons. Therefore, especially for young patients, holding out the lateral pillar through joint preserving procedures might be the key in preventing further collapse.