Bernese periacetabular osteotomy through a double approach : Simplification of a surgical technique

Reorientation of the acetabulum to normalize load transfer or avert femoroacetabular pincer impingement to prevent osteoarthritis of the hip.

Persisting acetabular dysplasia after closure of growth plates or acetabular malrotation.

High dislocation of hip, secondary acetabulum, increased misalignment on functional X‑ray, high-grade mobility restriction. Relative: degenerative changes, advanced age.

Bernese periacetabular osteotomy through two incisions; all bone cuts are carried out under direct vision. The osteotomies are equivalent to the classic Ganz method. In a slightly tilted forward lateral decubitus position, a posterior incision is applied for the ischium osteotomy and the caudal portion of the retroacetabular osteotomy. The pubis and ilium osteotomies are performed in a supine position through an anterior approach with subsequent reorientation and screw fixation. The rectus femoris is not dissected unless joint exposure is required.

Partial weight bearing with 20 kg for the first 6 weeks postoperatively, followed by stepwise transition to full loads after radiological control.

In total, 34 patients (37 hips) were followed up for 20.4 ± 10.3 months. Tönnis osteoarthritis scale levels remained constant. The center-edge angle of Wiberg increased from 13.2 ± 7.5° to 26.5 ± 6.7°, the Tönnis angle (acetabular index) changed from 13.8 ± 6.5° to 3.4 ± 4.4°. At follow-up, the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score was 16.5 ± 1.4; the modified Harris hip score 87.6 ± 13.9 and the International hip outcome tool (iHOT)-12 78.2 ± 20.3 points. The mean surgical time was 213 ± 29 min. Severe complications were not observed.