Acetabular Osteotomy Specialist

What is an acetabular osteotomy?

An acetabular osteotomy is a procedure designed to correct hip dysplasia in older children, young adults, and adults. It’s not an acceptable procedure for babies. 

During an acetabular osteotomy, Dr. Johnson cuts the pelvic bone around the hip socket (acetabulum) and repositioned the acetabulum to a corrected position to relieve the impingement and groin pain associated with hip dysplasia. The repositioned acetabulum is secured in the new position with three or four screws. 

As time goes on, new bone grows where Dr. Johnson made the cuts, fusing the hip socket back to the pelvis.

How long does it take to recover from an acetabular osteotomy?

After Dr. Johnson finishes your surgery, you spend three to five days recovering in the hospital. Within the first two days of your recovery, your team gets you up and walking with crutches. 

After you go home, you’ll continue to use your crutches for six non-weight-bearing on the operated side. Full weight-bearing is usually between 10-12 weeks. After healing, patients are encouraged to return to their desired activity levels.

What is hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia means that your hip socket development is altered and the socket (acetabulum) doesn’t completely cover the femoral head, or ball, of your upper thigh bone. If you have hip dysplasia, your hip joint can become prematurely arthritic and painful in teenage years or early adulthood.

This painful condition can lead to complications when left untreated, including osteoarthritis that sets in as early as the teenage years and tearing of the hip labral, which is soft tissue that covers the hip socket.

Later down the line, if you haven’t addressed your hip dysplasia, you may need hip replacement surgery.

What causes hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia typically originates in the womb. A child can be born with hip dysplasia if, during the final month of pregnancy, the womb becomes so crowded that their hip gets pushed out of position. 

Hip dysplasia runs in families, and babies are more at risk for developing the condition if they’re:

• A first child
• A girl
• A large baby
• Born breech

Babies born with foot deformities are also at a higher risk for hip dysplasia.

Doctors can detect more severe cases of hip dysplasia in babies during their regular visits, but mild cases are harder to detect. If you have a mild case of hip dysplasia, you might not realize it until you’re a young adult and begin experiencing symptoms.

If you suspect that you or your teen has hip dysplasia, an acetabular osteotomy may provide you with lasting relief. To find out if this procedure is right for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Johnson online or over the phone today