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Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • November 14, 2018
PAO and Hip Dysplasia: The Procedure and Benefits

Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip socket is too shallow and does not fully cover the head (ball) of the femur, or upper thigh bone. It can affect adults or children, but it is most commonly present from birth. Approximately 1 out of every 6 newborns have a form of hip instability such as dysplasia, and about 2 out of every 1,000 will require treatment. Symptoms of the condition include pain, differing leg lengths, limp, reduced hip flexibility, and “clicking” or “popping” of the joint. Over time, patients may develop a tear in the labrum (the soft tissue that cushions the joint) and damage to the joint cartilage in a condition known as osteoarthritis.


Treating Hip Dysplasia

How hip dysplasia is treated depends on the severity of the condition, as well as age of the patient. For most, surgical treatment will not be needed during infancy and is a more likely option among older children and adults. When surgery is utilized, it most often occurs in the form of a periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). 


What is PAO Surgery?

PAO is a surgical technique which allows the physician to improve instances of hip dysplasia without replacing the joint. Through a series of cuts around the hip socket, it can be moved into a better position, where it covers and protects a greater portion of the femoral head. Once this has been accomplished, the new positioning is fixed with 3 to 4 screws. 


Benefits and Considerations for PAO Surgery

For the right candidate, PAO is both safe and effective. It allows the surgeon to customize the exact placement of the socket, based on individual patient factors. It improves hip functionality, lessens pain and other associated symptoms, and reduces long-term complications from hip dysplasia. It is less invasive than total joint replacement and is preferable for most young patients. The best results are observed in those who are under the age of 40 and who have not yet experienced extensive damage to the hip cartilage. 


PAO Recovery and Outlook

With a skilled PAO surgeon and the right patient, PAO typically offers good results with a low risk of complication. Following the procedure, patients can expect a hospital stay of 3 to 5 days, followed by limited weightbearing, the use of mobility aids such as crutches, and several weeks of physical therapy. Most activities, including driving and working, can be resumed 6 to 8 weeks after surgery, with high impact sports and exercise resuming in approximately 3 to 6 months. Following recovery, patient outlook is highly positive and the possibility of future hip surgeries significantly reduced.


If you or your child have been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, contact the Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, and request an appointment with one of our board-certified hip specialists. Together, we can determine which treatment option is best suited to bring relief and restore hip function. 

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The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • February 11, 2025
Damage to the meniscus, which serves as a cushion between the thigh and shin bones, can cause severe pain and impair movement.
Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • January 31, 2025
While it is often associated with aging, arthritis can affect individuals at any stage of life. Understanding the different types of arthritis and how to manage them at various life stages is key to maintaining a high quality of life.

Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • January 30, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Zachary Rohr and Christopher Belleau will also transition their practice to a new location effective March 31, 2025. We will update our patients once those details are finalized. Dr. Gerard Murtagh of The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will be retiring effective March 2025. Dr. Murtagh has been a vital part of the clinic since 1988 and has significantly contributed to its success. We thank Dr. Murtagh for his many years of service to the patients of Bone & Joint Clinic. Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
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