OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutical effect of treatment of ischemic necrosis of femoral head by the transfer of vascular pedicled iliac periosteum. METHODS From June 1983 to August 1997, 106 cases with ischemic necrosis of femoral head (II stage in 64 cases, III stage in 39 cases, IV stage in 3 cases) were treated by the transfer of vascular pedicled iliac periosteum with ascending branch of lateral femoral circumflex vessel or deep circumflex iliac vessel pedicle. RESULTS Followed up 2 years and 4 months to 16 years, there were excellent in 54 cases, better in 38 cases, moderate in 9 cases, poor in 5 cases, and 86.8% in excellent rate according to the criterion of the therapeutical effect on the repair and reconstruction of adult ischemic necrosis of femoral head. CONCLUSION Treating ischemic necrosis of femoral head by the transfer of vascular pedicled iliac periosteum has the advantage of constant pedicle, easily drawing materials and reliable therapeutical effect.