A periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a hip preservation surgery to correct hip problems. It is usually performed to address hip dysplasia and other conditions where the hip socket (acetabulum) is not correctly positioned.
Understanding PAO Surgery
PAO surgery aims to improve the alignment of the hip joint.
Purpose of PAO Surgery
The main purpose of PAO surgery is to:
- Correct hip dysplasia: A condition where the hip socket doesn't fully cover the ball of the thighbone, leading to instability and pain.
- Address acetabular malposition: Fixes the incorrect orientation or positioning of the acetabulum.
How PAO Works
PAO involves cutting the bone around the acetabulum (the socket part of the hip joint). The surgeon then repositions the socket to better cover the femoral head (the ball part of the hip joint). After the socket is in the correct position, it is fixed in place with screws. This improved alignment helps to properly distribute weight-bearing forces, reducing stress on the hip joint and preventing further damage.
PAO is hip preservation surgery
- PAO surgery helps preserve the existing hip joint.
- The goal is to avoid or delay the need for a total hip replacement.
