Bernese periacetabular osteotomy for hip dysplasia in young adults

Hip dysplasia is one of the most common disorders of the hip, presenting in the first three years of life. Literature has shown that an association exists between developmental dysplasia of the hip and the development of secondary hip osteoarthritis in early adulthood. Treatment options are directed toward relieving symptoms and delaying or preventing the onset of arthritis in the affected hip. Total hip arthroplasty is a surgical option, but has been associated with a high rate of failure in younger, physically active patients. This article discusses the Bernese periacetabular osteotomy procedure as a treatment modality, which restores coverage of the femoral head with the acetabulum. Changing the anatomy allows the surgeon to increase the surface area of the femoral head that bears the patient's weight. Increasing the weight-bearing surface may prevent further damage to the hip's cartilage and delay the onset of osteoarthritis.