Recovery of Lower Extremity Function in the Initial Year Following Periacetabular Osteotomy: A Single Subject...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation science

Background:

• Limited understanding of lower extremity joint function recovery post-periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) beyond walking.
• Focus on non-walking activities is crucial for comprehensive rehabilitation assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient-reported outcomes, hip strength, and lower extremity joint moments during sit-to-stand in a female athlete post-PAO.
• To analyze moment distributions and recovery over a one-year period following PAO.

Main Methods:

• Assessed patient-reported outcomes (Hip and Groin Outcome Score - HAGOS), hip strength, and lower extremity joint moments during sit-to-stand.
• Data collected pre-operatively and at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 13 months post-PAO.

Main Results:

• HAGOS scores normalized, but overall quality of life remained low. Muscle strength returned to baseline by 13 months.
• Asymmetric loading observed: higher peak support and hip extensor moments on the non-surgical limb.
• Surgical limb showed lower peak support moments, with reduced hip and increased knee contribution to moments.

Conclusions:

• Asymmetric loading patterns post-PAO persist and gradually normalize over one year.
• Consideration of these asymmetric loading patterns is essential for effective rehabilitation planning after PAO.