Childbirth and sexual activity after eccentric rotational acetabular osteotomy

Pelvic osteotomy for symptomatic hip dysplasia usually is performed for young and adolescent females. Delivery after pelvic osteotomy is a concern for patients of childbearing age. We asked whether the clinical results differed before and after pregnancy, whether eccentric rotational acetabular osteotomy alters the bony birth canal, whether pelvic osteotomy impedes the ability to deliver vaginally, and whether sexual activity and quality of life improve if hip pain decreases after surgery. We retrospectively investigated 21 patients who experienced successful pregnancy and childbirth after eccentric rotational acetabular osteotomy. The mean age at the time of surgery was 25.7 years (range, 18-35 years) and 30.7 years (range, 23-40 years) at the initial delivery after surgery. Sixteen patients delivered 21 children vaginally and five patients delivered eight children by cesarean section. The clinical results were similar before and after childbirth. Eccentric rotational acetabular osteotomy caused no substantial difference in the bony birth canal before and after surgery. Vaginal delivery was possible in the majority of patients. Improvement of satisfaction with sexual activity and quality of life was related to less hip pain after surgery.