Technical complications of the Bernese periacetabular osteotomy

Periacetabular osteotomy provides technical challenges in surgical exposure and reorientation of the acetabular fragment. There is evidence to indicate that the procedure is effective, but there is a recognized learning curve with respect to its performance. This analysis includes a retrospective review of the technical complications encountered in more than 500 cases. These problems were analyzed and then related to the stages of the procedure in which they occurred (surgical approach, osteotomy, fragment positioning, fragment fixation, and the postoperative period). Efforts are made to analyze the cause of the complications and to suggest preventative or remedial treatments. It is hoped that highlighting these complications will shorten the learning curve for surgeons trying this procedure for the first time.