The trial detected mRNA expression of several bone repair-related genes, including Runx2, in the femoral head and neck of patients with osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) . Runx2 expression was compared with that of identical tissue from osteoarthritis patients to identify expression in necrotic femoral head tissue, which will help clarify the role and possible clinical significance of Runx2 in femoral head necrosis, bone repair and reconstruction.