Objective To investigate the operative method of trabecular metal rod implant for the treatment of the early adult avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) and its cl inical efficacy. Methods From March 2005 to January 2007, 28 patients of ANFH were treated by trabecular metal rod implant, including 18 males and 10 females aged 18-56 years old (average 30.6 years old). The ANFH was induced by trauma in 7 cases, steroid in 10 cases, alcohol in 5 cases and unknownreason in 6 cases. There were 22 cases of unilateral ANFH and 6 of bilateral ANFH, involving 18 left hips and 16 right hips. According to Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) international classification of osteonecrosis launched in 1997, 16 cases (16 hips) were classified as stage I, 12 cases (15 hips) as stage I, 1 case (1 hip) as stage III and 2 cases (2 hips) as stage IV. Harris score was 50.3 ± 2.2 preoperatively. The course of disease was 12-24 months (average 16 months). Results All wounds healed by first intention, and no postoperative compl ication occurred. All the cases were followed up for 18-36 months (average 26 months). The pain and functional l imitation of patients were improved significantly. The Harris score was 85.7 ± 2.4 18 months after operation, showing a significant difference when compared with preoperative score (P lt; 0.05). Twenty-three cases were graded as excellent, 3 as good and 2 as fair, with the excellent and good rate of 92.86%. Conclusion Trabecular metal rod implant is an effective method for the treatment of early ANFH and can minimize the occurrence of compl ications, but the follow-up observation of its long-term herapeutic effect is still needed.