Periacetabular Osteotomy — (PAO)

UW Health Sports Medicine · UW Health Sports Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Physician Group

Weight-Bearing

≤20% BW with axillary crutches x 6 wks; then WBAT progression to FWB

Key Restrictions

≤20% BW x 6 wks; CPM 2 hrs 3x/day (0-70°, increase to 90°) x 3-6 wks; avoid sitting >1 hr at 90°+ hip flexion; no active hip flexion with long lever arm; no impact until ≥16 wks

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (surgery to 6 wks: protection + CPM; 1-2 day hospital stay) -> Phase II (6-12 wks: normalize gait, CKC, balance) -> Phase III (10-12 wks+: strength/ROM/proprioception) -> Phase IV (14-16 wks+: impact prep) -> Phase V (after Phase IV: return to sport)

Notes

5-phase protocol; 1-2 day hospital stay; may include concurrent hip arthroscopy for labral tear; RTS criteria: Y balance within 4 cm, SL squat x30 reps to 60° knee flexion, SL press ≥85% uninvolved, hip ABD endurance; UW Health Sports Medicine, Madison WI

Surgeon / Author

UW Health Sports Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Physician Group