Editorial Commentary : Comprehensive Treatment of Hip Acetabular Dysplasia Plus Labral and/or Cam Pathology With Combined Periacetabular Osteotomy and Hip Arthroscopy

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is the agreed-upon treatment for symptomatic hip dysplasia in the skeletally mature patient. Many surgeons perform hip arthroscopy to address intra-articular damage around the time of the PAO. Other surgeons believe that correcting the dysplasia with the PAO unloads the soft tissues, which negates the need for arthroscopy. Current evidence is unclear as to whether hip arthroscopy, whether concomitant or staged, is needed when performing PAO for hip dysplasia. In the United States, the chosen approach often is determined by surgeon training, comfort level, and logistical issues. Over time, the chosen approach may change, as more surgeons are trained in both open and arthroscopic hip preservation. Certainly, some patients benefit from hip arthroscopy along with PAO for labral pathology and/or femoral cam deformity.