Objective:To observe the application of disease progression index in judging the prognosis of early-stageosteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) after decompression combined with tantalum rodimplantation, and to investigate the efficacy after grouping. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 52ONFH cases treated with decompression combined with porous tantalum rod implantation from January 2009 to April 2017. The Harris score, imaging evaluation, and success rate of hip preservation were used as the evaluation indicators of efficacy. The progression index was set by the course ofdisease progressionand the imaging performance. On this basis, the threshold value was determinedby the statistical characteristics, and patients were divided into two groups according to this value. The efficacy results at the end of the follow-upand the ratio of total hip arthroplasty (THA)between the groups were compared and statistically analyzed. Results: After 3 to 11 years of follow-up, the success rate of hip preservation for stage I and II ONFH was 92.31%。The Harris scores were statistically different at the last follow-up between patients grouped by the progression index. Among them, four patients progressed to stage IV after surgery, and there was a statistically significant difference betweenpatients grouped by the progression index in the ratio of THA. Conclusion: Decompression combined with porous tantalum rod implantation is reliable in the treatment of early-stage ONFH. The bigger index indicates a higher risk of postoperative failure.