What is PAO Surgery?
A periacetabular osteotomy (PAO surgery) is a hip preservation surgery. PAO surgery treats pain in the hip caused by a deformity in the hip joint. This deformity can be from a childhood disease such as Legg-Calve Perthes disease or slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). It also treats problems from hip dysplasia or femeroacetabular impingement (FAI).
PAO Surgery vs Hip Replacement
PAO surgery preserves your natural hip joint. It is ideal for younger patients wanting to prevent arthritis. A hip replacement replaces your natural hip with an artificial one. Your provider may recommend a hip replacement if you have advanced arthritis.
Benefits of PAO Surgery
The goal of PAO surgery is to reduce pain and improve hip function. PAO surgery can also restore the hip joint and reduce the risk of arthritis.
When to See a Hip Specialist
Your hip specialist may recommend PAO surgery if you have symptoms that haven’t improved with non-surgical treatments like rest, medication, and physical therapy. Your symptoms may be troubling:
- Pain, swelling, or stiffness in the hip
- Torn cartilage or ligaments
- Torn labrum (lining of the hip socket)
If your symptoms are caused by a misalignment of your hip joint, a periacetabular osteotomy can correct the alignment and prevent further damage to your joint.
Periacetabular Osteotomy Surgeons
Displaying 2 of 2 providers
Lucas A. Anderson
Christopher L. Peters
Locations
Displaying 1 of 1 locations
University Orthopaedic Center
(Located in Salt Lake City)
801-587-7109590 Wakara Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Periacetabular Osteotomy Procedure
Hip osteotomy surgery involves cutting out or carving around the hip socket to move it to a new and better location. Your surgeon takes several steps:
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Makes an incision over the front of your hip, about six to eight inches long
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Uses X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) to cut through the three pelvic bones around your hip socket to free it from its original position
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Fixes your hip joint in its new location with screws (usually three to six)
Femur Osteotomy
Sometimes the angle made by your femur and head is too high or low. If this is your case, you may need an osteotomy of the femur. This procedure puts the femoral head in a more normal position. This helps keep it from wearing out.
PAO Surgery Complications
Every surgery has risks and complications:
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Infection
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Blood loss
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Blood clots
Your health care team will ensure you your procedure goes as smoothly as possible.
PAO Surgery Recovery
Your recovery starts in the hospital. The hospital stay for an osteotomy is usually two to three days. You will start physical therapy the day after surgery. Physical therapy includes gentle exercises, learning to sit, stand, and walk with crutches.
After you leave the hospital, you need to walk, rest, and let your surgery site heal. Plan on having someone to take care of you 24/7 for the first week. It usually takes 9–12 months to feel fully recovered.
PAO Surgery Recovery Timeline
Everyone's recovery is different, but you can expect to follow a basic timeline:
- First six weeks—Walk with crutches (partial weight bearing), and keep your wound clean.
- Next six weeks—Transition to one cane or crutch as instructed by your provider. You may start gentle stretching or strengthening exercises.
- After three months—Return to work part time or full time as tolerated. Continue to walk and practice gentle exercise.
- After six months—You may return to full activity (when the bone cuts are completely healed) except for running/jumping activities.
You will see your provider two weeks after surgery, then again at six weeks for X-rays. You will see them again at three months, six months, one year, and every year or two to see how your hip progresses.
When Can I Drive After PAO Surgery?
You can drive when your provider tells you it is safe to do so. Most people return to driving three to four weeks after surgery.
Sports After PAO Surgery
Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and bicycle riding are good exercises for your hip. Repetitive jumping, running, or heavy manual labor can wear out your hip faster.
Meet With a Hip Specialist
Call 801-587-7109 to talk to our care team abut starting the process or to schedule an appointment with on our specialists.
Before You Call Us, Here's Some Information You May Need:
- You do not need a referral to see one of our hip specialists for hip pain, but your individual insurance plan may require one. Check with your insurance carrier to see what your plan requires before scheduling your appointment.
- You will need an X-ray of your hip from the last 12 months. If you have imaging of your hip from the last 12 months, bring it to your appointment. If you do not have current imaging, let our care team know. We'll arrange the X-ray for you.
