Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) was developed by Prof. Reinhold Ganz, a Swiss orthopedic surgeon. This surgical hip treatment is used for treating hip dysplasia as a result of an acetabulum deformity. Acetabulum is the pelvis’s curved part that forms the hip joint socket. People with this form of hip dysplasia exhibit symptoms from birth. With that said, it’s only in adolescence and adulthood when the symptoms become more noticeable.
Typical symptoms include limited movement in the area and pain in the hip. If left untreated, this can cause painful osteoarthritis. Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by committed board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding locations.
Causes of Hip Dysplasia of the Acetabulum
The acetabulum doesn’t develop fully in some people. This causes a fit that is misaligned in the socket or too shallow. The acetabulum cannot properly support the femoral head. Misalignment places increasing strain on the labrum soft tissue and cartilage lining the hip socket. This causes wear and tear and further degeneration. Hip dysplasia is a leading cause of arthritis and hip pain in men and women under the age of 50 years.
Benefits of PAO Surgery
Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) hip preservation surgery allows for the following in patients with hip dysplasia that hasn’t led to advanced articular cartilage damage:
- Preserves natural hip joint
- Pain relief
- Enhanced movement following the treatment
- Return to regular vigorous activities, such as sports and other activities
- Doesn’t affect natural vaginal childbirth in women
Ideal Candidates for PAO
Typically, candidates for periacetabular osteotomy are 40 years old or younger. You should have a mild to moderate condition that cannot be treated by using other surgical and non-surgical procedures. The patient should not have arthritis or advanced dysplasia. Total hip replacement is the best option in patients older than 50 years of age. It reduces pain and restores mobility. PAO won’t provide successful results if the hip joint is completely worn.
PAO Hip Surgery Process
Your surgeon will reposition the hip socket by cutting the bone around the acetabulum. Typically, hip replacement procedure lasts for 2.5 to 3.5 hours. You would need to stay for initial recovery in the hospital for 3 to 5 days. You may be given compression socks for preventing blood clots during the procedure. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia in most cases.
An incision of about 6 to 7 inches in length will be made over the hip crest to allow surgeons access to the pelvic bone. Three bones surrounding the acetabulum are cut using special cutting tools. Thereafter, the surgeon will shift and reorient the acetabulum to ensure the femoral head has a proper fit. About 2 to 3 long screws may be placed firmly for reattaching the acetabulum to the pelvis. This will ensure that everything stays in place.
You should be able to walk using a walker or crutches after 4 – 5 days of the surgery. Bruising, numbness, tingling, and popping sound should be expected following the procedure. Diligent board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery.
Contact the Southern California Hip Institute
Dr. Tigran Garabekyan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation. To learn more about Southern California Hip Institute or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us or call:
Century City / Los Angeles: 310.595.1030
Serving patients in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Century City, West Hollywood, North Hollywood Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale and other neighboring cities in the greater Los Angeles, California area.
Also visit http://www.drgorthopedics.com/
