If you’ve ever heard someone talk about “hip dysplasia,” you may picture a condition that only affects babies. But hip dysplasia can persist into adolescence and adulthood—and when left untreated, it often leads to pain, instability, and early arthritis. That’s where a transformative procedure called Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO) comes in.

🦴 What Is Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip socket doesn’t fully cover the ball of the femur. Instead of the joint fitting together smoothly like a ball-and-cup, the cup is too shallow. Over time, this causes:

• Chronic hip pain
• Labral tears
• Cartilage wear
• A sense of the hip “giving out”
• Early osteoarthritis

For active teens and young adults, this can be especially frustrating—simple things like running, sports, or even prolonged sitting may become painful.

🔧 What Exactly Is a PAO?

A Periacetabular Osteotomy is a joint-preserving surgery designed to fix the mechanics of the hip.
Instead of replacing the joint, the surgeon actually repositions the hip socket itself.

Here’s what happens:

1. Controlled cuts are made around the acetabulum (the hip socket).
2. The socket is rotated into a more natural, supportive position.
3. Screws secure it in its new alignment.
4. Over time, the bone heals in this corrected orientation.

Think of it like adjusting the angle of a misaligned cup so the ball sits inside it properly again.

💡 Why Is PAO So Powerful?

Because it addresses the root cause of pain—not just the symptoms.

Here's what patients often experience:

• Better hip stability
• Reduced pain with activity
• Protection against future arthritis
• A return to physical activity once healed
• Preservation of their natural hip joint (huge benefit for younger patients)

For many, a PAO can delay or even prevent the need for a total hip replacement later in life.

🧭 Who Is a Good Candidate?

PAO is typically recommended for:

• Teens and young adults
• Symptomatic hip dysplasia
• Intact cartilage or early-stage damage
• Motivated patients willing to commit to rehabilitation

It’s a big surgery, but for the right person, it offers a long-term solution instead of temporary relief.

🏃‍♀️ What About Recovery?

Recovery after PAO is structured and gradual:

• Several weeks of limited weight-bearing
• Physical therapy to rebuild strength
• Return to sports typically around 6–12 months
• Continued improvements over the first year+

It’s a marathon, not a sprint—but most patients describe the outcome as life-changing.

✨ Final Thoughts

Periacetabular Osteotomy is one of the most effective hip-preserving surgeries available today. By correcting the underlying anatomy, it offers patients the chance to live, walk, and move without the constant shadow of hip pain. For young, active individuals struggling with dysplasia, PAO isn’t just a procedure—it's a path back to the life they want to live