PAO Surgeons Baton Rouge
PAO for Hip Dysplasia
Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a safe and effective treatment used to treat hip dysplasia. It improves hip functionality, lessens pain and other associated symptoms, and reduces long-term complications from hip dysplasia such as osteoarthritis.
What is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip socket is too shallow and does not fully cover the head (ball) of the femur. Symptoms include:
- Differing leg lengths
- Limp
- Reduced hip flexibility
- Clicking or popping in the joint
PAO Patient Factors
Determining if a patient is a candidate for PAO will depend on a number of factors, including:


Joint Space - Normal thickness of the joint space is 4mm. In patients who have a joint space of 2mm or less, the joint is likely too degenerated for PAO success.
PAO Recovery
PAO allows for the hip joint to be preserved rather than replaced with artificial parts. It offers an improved long-term outlook when performed on an ideal candidate. However, it is a major procedure which requires an extensive recovery consisting of:
- 3 to 5 days of inpatient recovery
- Up to 8 weeks of reduced weightbearing and walking with the aid of crutches
- Up to 3 months of physical therapy
- Resume normal activities approximately 6 to 8 weeks post-operatively
- Resume sports and exercise approximately 3 to 6 months post-operatively
PAO Surgeons in Baton Rouge

Arthur E. Hess, M.D.
Dr. Hess is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in pelvic and hip socket surgeries.
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