Periacetabular osteotomy: a review of swiss experience

Symptomatic dysplasia of the hip and acetabular retroversion are possible causes of osteoarthritis in the young adult. Surgical management with reorientation of the acetabulum allows causal therapy of the deformity and preservation of the native hip joint. The Ganz' periacetabular osteotomy permits a free 3-dimensional reorientation of the acetabulum and respects the blood supply of the acetabular fragment. The posterior column remains intact with a stable fixation of the acetabular fragment and a preserved shape of the true pelvis. There is a significant learning curve with severe complications in up to 30 % of cases. Good results can be expected in the long-term follow-up if performed with correct indication at young age in hips with preserved joint cartilage and proper reorientation of the acetabular fragment. Overall survivorship is superior to the natural course of hip dysplasia with a preserved hip joint in 61 % after 20 years.