Reverse PAO Is a ‘Powerful Method’ for Treating Global Acetabular Retroversion
A patient presents with global acetabular retroversion, a form of hip dysplasia. In a video case study, Atul Kamath, MD, explains why this case necessitated reverse PAO, calling it a “powerful method.”
A 21-year-old male presented to Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Hip Preservation for treatment of symptomatic left hip pain, which developed over time in his occupation as a heavy manual laborer.
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The patient’s physician, Atul Kamath, MD, who is also director of the center, notes that anteroposterior imaging showed that the patient is skeletally mature. And while the cartilage on his left hip was preserved, Dr. Kamath also noticed a crossover sign, indicating acetabular retroversion.
Planning the right approach
Given the global acetabular retroversion, the procedure could not be accomplished by a simple rim trimming of the cranial aspect of the socket through an arthroscope. Dr. Kamath explains, “This would cause insufficiency or a lower volume socket that might cause secondary or iatrogenic instability of the hip.”
The procedure and outcomes
Dr. Kamath chose to address the complex deformity with introverting, or reverse PAO (anteverting periacetabular osteotomy), where the shape of the socket is manipulated to create more effective anteversion. He notes that the patient is doing well and was able to return to his work with great functional improvements and decreased pain.