Periacetabular Osteotomy
What is a Periacetabular Osteotomy?
A Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO) is a surgery used to treat hip dysplasia by repositioning the hip socket to better cover the ball of the joint. This helps improve stability, reduce pain, and protect the joint from further damage, while preserving your natural hip.
What Conditions is Periacetabular Osteotomy Indicated For?
The periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is primarily indicated for patients with moderate to severe hip dysplasia, where the acetabulum does not adequately cover the femoral head, leading to joint instability, pain, and risk of cartilage or labral damage. While mild dysplasia may be managed with hip arthroscopy alone, patients with significant undercoverage often require a PAO to correct the underlying structural problem. This procedure is recommended when conservative treatments are no longer effective and imaging confirms insufficient bony support of the femoral head. By reorienting the acetabulum to provide better coverage, a PAO helps stabilize the joint, relieve symptoms, and preserve the native hip for the long term.
PAO at American Hip Institute
The American Hip Institute is the first practice in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to the treatment of hip conditions, with leading expertise in correcting complex structural issues like hip dysplasia. Dr. Benjamin Kuhns, a fellowship-trained specialist in hip preservation, is among a select group of surgeons in the country with advanced training in performing periacetabular osteotomy. With a focus on personalized care and cutting-edge techniques, Dr. Kuhns and the AHI team are committed to helping patients preserve their natural joint and return to an active, pain-free life.
What is the American Hip Institute?
The American Hip Institute is the #1 clinic in the United States for advanced hip treatment, offering the best outcomes and patient experience in the world.
American Hip Institute by The Numbers
- 1stIn the nation to perform outpatient robotic hip surgery
- 10000+Hip surgeries performed by AHI surgeons
- 550+Research articles published by the team, driving innovation in hip treatment
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Thank you for your diagnosis last year for hip dysplasia.
It was a rough year, but after my PAO on with your team I was able to successfully heal and prepare for my wedding! It was quite a year, thank you!!
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Collegiate Lacrosse Player Has Successful Labral Repair and PAO at The American Hip Institute
I just started playing again this past year and then this year, my senior year, I'll finally get to play a full fall ball season. I'll actually be able to compete competitively again, which I am really excited about.
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Amber D.: 5 Doctors, 3 Years, 1 Life-Changing Diagnosis
After my first appointment with the team at American Hip Institute, they had a guess about what could be causing my hip pain. They sent me to get an MRI and, within a week, identified the correct diagnosis, and my surgery was booked.
Meet Our Team!
The American Hip Institute is the first medical center in the nation dedicated exclusively to the treatment of hip conditions, with specialized expertise in hip dysplasia. Our surgeons are among the few in the country trained to perform both minimally invasive hip arthroscopy and advanced procedures like periacetabular osteotomy to correct structural abnormalities. With over 10,000 hip surgeries performed and a commitment to research-driven care, AHI leads the field in innovation and excellence in the treatment of hip dysplasia.
