Comparing PAO Surgery and Hip Scope Surgery: Understanding the Differences

3 min read

Hip Preservation Surgery: PAO vs. Hip Arthroscopy

For individuals suffering from hip dysplasia, labral tears, and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI hip), hip preservation surgery offers solutions to relieve pain and improve function. Two of the most common procedures are Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO) and Hip Arthroscopy (Hip Scope Surgery). While both aim to restore hip stability and function, they differ in terms of indications, complexity, and recovery. Understanding these differences is essential for making an informed treatment decision.

➡️ Learn more about hip preservation surgeries.

What is PAO Surgery?

Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO) is a surgical procedure designed to correct hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip socket (acetabulum) is too shallow, causing instability, pain, and early arthritis. PAO surgery involves repositioning the acetabulum to improve joint coverage and function.

Key Features of PAO Surgery

✅ Best for: Patients with moderate to severe hip dysplasia, particularly young adults with minimal arthritis.

✅ Surgical Complexity: Invasive procedure requiring precise bone cuts and repositioning.

✅ Recovery Time: 6-8 weeks on crutches, followed by several months of physical therapy.

✅ Long-Term Outcomes: Provides pain relief, improved joint stability, and delays or prevents total hip replacement.

➡️ Read more about PAO surgery and its benefits.

What is Hip Scope Surgery?

Hip Arthroscopy (Hip Scope Surgery) is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat various hip conditions, including labral tears, FAI hip, and mild dysplasia. The surgeon inserts a small camera (arthroscope) through tiny incisions to visualize and repair damaged tissues.

Key Features of Hip Scope Surgery

✅ Best for: Patients with labral tears, FAI hip, cartilage damage, or mild dysplasia.

✅ Minimally Invasive: Uses small incisions and an arthroscope, resulting in less tissue damage.

✅ Recovery Time: 6 weeks for light activities, 3-6 months for full return to sports.

✅ Long-Term Outcomes: Effectively treats labral tears and FAI hip, but may not be suitable for severe hip dysplasia.

➡️ Learn about hip arthroscopy for labral tears.

PAO vs. Hip Scope Surgery: Key Differences

While both PAO and Hip Scope Surgery are designed to alleviate hip pain and improve function, they are suited to different patient populations.

Comparison Factor	PAO Surgery	Hip Scope Surgery
Best For	Moderate to severe hip dysplasia	Labral tears, FAI hip, mild dysplasia
Surgical Approach	Invasive – Bone cuts and repositioning	Minimally invasive – Small incisions and arthroscopy
Recovery Time	6-8 weeks non-weight bearing, full recovery up to 12 months	6 weeks for light activities, full recovery in 3-6 months
Pain Relief	Long-term relief by correcting structural abnormalities	Effective for labral repairs and FAI hip, but may not prevent arthritis
Risk of Arthritis	Reduces the likelihood of early arthritis	May not prevent arthritis in dysplastic hips

➡️ Explore hip dysplasia treatment options.

Which Surgery Is Right for You?

Choosing between PAO and Hip Scope Surgery depends on factors such as:

📌 Severity of Hip Dysplasia – PAO is best for significant acetabular misalignment.📌 Presence of Labral Tears or FAI Hip – Hip arthroscopy is often effective for soft tissue repairs.

📌 Age and Joint Health – Younger patients with minimal arthritis benefit most from PAO.

📌 Lifestyle Goals – Athletes or active individuals may require a combination of procedures.

➡️ Read more about FAI hip and labral tear treatments.

Conclusion

Both PAO surgery and Hip Scope Surgery play essential roles in hip preservation.

PAO is the preferred option for hip dysplasia, offering long-term joint stability and delaying arthritis.
Hip arthroscopy is ideal for labral tears, FAI hip, and cartilage damage, with quicker recovery times.