Sexual function and pregnancy outcomes after periacetabular osteotomy: a systematic review

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a surgical treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). This systematic review investigates the impact PAO has on sexual function and pregnancy through changes in patient-reported outcomes. A literature search of Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from 1996 to November 2023 was performed. Search terms included: 'periacetabular osteotomy', 'pelvic osteotomy', 'outcomes', 'sexual function', 'pregnancy', and 'childbirth'. Assessment of methodological quality was performed using the methodological index for nonrandomized studies (MINORS) criteria and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) system. The search returned 560 papers, with 5 meeting the inclusion criteria. Sexual function improved over both short- and longer-term follow-up periods. 48.2% of patients had improved sexual function following PAO. Female patients reported greater improvement than males, who had a higher baseline score. No complications were documented in pregnancy or delivery compared to patients who had not had a PAO. Increased rates of caesarean sections (CSs) were seen in all studies (37.4%) compared to the European average. All five papers were calculated to be of low quality according to the MINORS criteria and low certainty according to the GRADE level of evidence. Patients receiving a PAO due to symptomatic DDH had improved sexual dysfunction due to a reduction in hip pain, but almost half of these patients may not appreciate any benefit. There is an increased likelihood of CS in patients post-PAO, with no reliable evidence for its necessity. Limitations of this review included poor quality and availability of evidence, as all studies were retrospective cohort studies. Further larger powered studies are required to assess the full impact of PAO on both sexual function and pregnancy.