A new analysis, conducted by Dr. Okoroha’s colleagues examined outcomes related to whether people with hip dysplasia could get back to sports after a PAO surgery. Their research highlights an important takeaway—while new techniques continue to evolve, long-term data remains critical in determining the best approach. Here’s what they found.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/03635465251385258
For young, active patients with symptomatic hip dysplasia, one of the biggest concerns is whether they will be able to return to sports after surgery. A recent study examined sports participation in patients undergoing Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO) and followed outcomes for up to 20 years after surgery.
What Is PAO?
A Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO) is a hip preservation procedure used to treat hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip socket does not adequately cover the ball of the hip joint. This lack of coverage can create instability, pain, and increased wear on the cartilage over time.
The goal of PAO is to reposition the socket to improve joint mechanics, reduce pain, and help preserve the native hip joint.
What Did the Study Look At?
Researchers evaluated 1,891 patients who underwent PAO and reported on:
- Participation in sports
- Ability to return to their preferred sport
- Perceived improvement in sports performance
Patients were followed before surgery and at 6 months, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years after surgery.
What Were the Findings?
The study found encouraging results regarding long-term activity after PAO.
Before surgery, 45% of patients participated in sports. After surgery:
- 56% participated in sports at 6 months
- 60% participated at 2 years
- Up to 62% remained active long-term
In addition, many patients reported improved function:
- 56% felt their sports performance improved at 6 months
- 61% reported improvement at 2 years
- 63% reported being able to perform their preferred sports by 15 years after surgery
Researchers also found that patients who were more active before surgery, had lower pain levels, and reported better quality of life tended to have better sports-related outcomes after PAO.
What Does This Mean for Patients?
This study suggests that many patients undergoing PAO are able to return to sports and remain active long term. While recovery timelines and outcomes vary, the findings show that improved sports participation and function are realistic goals for many individuals with hip dysplasia.
However, success depends on several factors including preoperative pain levels, activity level, overall joint health, and the condition of the cartilage at the time of surgery.
As with most hip preservation procedures, timing matters. Earlier intervention before significant joint damage develops may improve the ability to maintain an active lifestyle.
Key Takeaway
For patients with hip dysplasia, PAO may not only improve pain and joint mechanics but also support a return to sports and physical activity for many years after surgery. More than half of patients reported improved sports function and participation long after treatment.
We are committed to providing personalized care and innovative treatments to help patients return to peak performance safely and effectively. To learn more about hip dysplasia, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kelechi Okoroha today.
Seeing patients in Dallas, Richardson, Frisco, and beyond, Dr. Okoroha provides specialized care focused on optimizing recovery, performance, and long-term joint health.
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