ObjectiveTo assess the long-term effectiveness of the transplantation of iliac bone flap pedicled with deep iliac circumflex vessels for treating avascular necrosis of femoral head (ANFH) at Ficat stage Ⅱ and Ⅲ. MethodsThirty-two cases (43 hips) of ANFH underwent iliac bone flap transplantation pedicled with deep iliac circumflex vessels between October 2000 and February 2006, and the clinical data were retrospectively reviewed. Of 32 cases, 27 were male (38 hips), and 5 were female (5 hips), aged 21-52 years (mean, 36.6 years); there were 8 cases (11 hips) of hormone ANFH, 18 cases (23 hips) of alcoholic ANFH, and 6 cases (9 hips) of idiopathic ANFH. The disease duration ranged from 2-52 months (mean, 8.2 months). According to Ficat staging criteria, 26 hips were classified as stage Ⅱ and 17 hips as stage Ⅲ. The preoperative Harris hip score (HSS) was 68.2±8.4. The HHS scores and X-ray photograph were compared between at pre-and post-operation to assess the outcomes clinically and radiologically. ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention. Two cases had numbness of the lateral femoral skin. Four patients (6 hips) failed to be followed up, and the other 28 cases were followed up 98-187 months (mean, 129.3 months). Five patients (6 hips) showed aggravation or no relief with progression to stage Ⅳ at 8-69 months, who received total hip arthroplasty. The 10-year survival rate was 83.78% (31/37). The HHS score was significantly increased to 86.7±9.0 at last follow-up (t=-48.313, P=0.000). The hip function was excellent in 9 hips, good in 13 hips, and fair in 9 hips, and the success rate was 75.68%. Radiographic examination showed signs of bone remodeling at 6-8 weeks. After bone healing, the femoral head density gradually became uniform. Until last follow-up, ANFH progressed from Ficat stage Ⅱ to Ⅲ in 5 hips, from Ficat stage Ⅱ to Ⅳ in 3 hips, and from Ficat stage Ⅲ to Ⅳ in 3 hips; complete hip shape, continuous Shenton line, and normal joint space were observed in the other 26 hips, and the radiographic success rate was 70.27% (26/37). ConclusionThe pedicled iliac bone flap transplantation for ANFH at Ficat stage Ⅱ and Ⅲ can provide good osteogenesis and vascular reconstruction of the femoral head. The long-term follow-up effectiveness is satisfactory.