Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of extracorporeal shock waves (ESW) therapy on avascular necrosis of femoral head (ANFH) of stage IV. Methods 72 hips of 44 patients with ANFH of stage IV, according to Association Research Circulation Osseous, were randomly divided into treatment group (n=37) and control group (n=35). The control group received routine therapy, while the treatment group received ESW in addition, 2.0-4.0 bar, 10 Hz, 6000 times. They were evaluated with Harris Hip Score, Manual Muscle Test (MMT) and Short Form of health survey (SF-36) before and 1 month after treatment. Results The scores of Harris Hip Score and MMT improved more in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05) after treatment, as well as the scores of SF-36 except physical health and vitality (P<0.05). Conclusion The ESW can obviously improve the motor function and quality of life of patients with ANFH of stage IV.

Key words: femoral head necrosis, extracorporeal shock waves, hip, quality of life