Periacetabular osteotomy: sporting, social and sexual activity 9-12 years post surgery

Hip joint survivorship and functional outcome are traditional outcome measures applied after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). Younger adults however have greater demands and expectations on the function of their hip joints and these demands are not expressed using traditional outcome assessment tools. The main purpose of this study was to explore alternative functional and quality of life measure after PAO.A cross sectional survey of preserved hip joints following PAO was performed. Fifty-two patients (68 hips), mean age 41 years (range 24-67), returned a questionnaire examining satisfaction, willingness to repeat surgery, quality of life, abilities in social activities, sports and sex-life, pain, limp, and stability of the hip.Median satisfaction was 5 (range 1-5) and 44 of 49 patients were willing to repeat surgery. Significant improvements were seen in quality of life, ability to do sports, participate in social activities and sex-life (p values <0.001) (although sex-life for males (p = 0.102)). Traditional outcomes (pain, stability and limp) showed significant improvements (p<0.001). Lasting improvements in patients' sex life, social life and ability to do sports nine to 12 years following PAO were reported. Such factors are important measures of outcome in a younger adult cohort.