Periacetabular Osteotomy (for Hip Dysplasia)

The Periacetabular Osteotomy is a surgical procedure to treat hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a condition which most commonly involves a deficient hip socket or acetabulum and lack of coverage of the femoral head. If left untreated it can lead to hip joint arthritis. 

 

The procedure involves a series of bone cuts around the hip socket which allows the hip socket to be re-oriented providing improved coverage over the femoral head. The improved coverage over the femoral head leads to more normal hip joint mechanics and can prevent or delay the development of arthritis. The repositioned acetabulum is then fixed with several screws. These screws may be retained or removed at some point in the future. 

 

The surgery takes two to three hours and requires a hospital stay. There is a 30 pound weight bearing restriction on the operated leg for two months following the date of the procedure.  During this period patients are allowed to mobilize with the use of crutches. After two months patients may then progress to full weight bearing and muscle strengthening with physical therapy. Following a period of rehabilitation, the patient may then engage in all activities without restrictions. 

 

The advantages of the periacetabular osteotomy are the patients may retain their own joint as opposed to a total joint replacement and the hip socket is in a more normal position and better able to accept a total hip replacement if arthritis occurs. The majority of patients who undergo a Periacetabular Osteotomy retain their hips for the rest of their lives.