Soft Tissue Pathology in Hip Dysplasia Before and After Periacetabular Osteotomy

Introduction: The lack of congruence between the acetabulum and femoral head in hip dysplasia compromise the passive stability of the hip joint resulting in increased stress on the acetabular labrum, joint capsule and the muscles acting close to the hip joint. Soft tissue injury is present in hip dysplasia, and pathology of the iliopsoas muscle has been found in 18-50%. To our knowledge, no studies have systematically examined the prevalence of soft tissue pathology in hip dysplasia. The overall aim of this research project is to examine soft tissue pathology in 100 patients with hip dysplasia prior to and one year after Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). Methods: Soft tissue pathology will be examined in a prospective cohort study on 100 patients with hip dysplasia prior to and one year after surgery. Pathology will be examined using ultrasonography and the Clinical Entities Approach that focus on pathology of the iliopsoas, adductors, rectus abdominis, gluteus medius and hamstrings. Furthermore, hip muscle strength is tested with a dynamometer, hip related health is measured with the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) and physical activity is measured with triaxial accelerometers during a period of 7 days. Perspective: Is it possible to demonstrate pathology of the hip muscles and tendons applying clinical tests, muscle strength tests, and ultrasonography, as it has been found in sports-active people with groin pain, it will make sense to plan and test a specific training program focusing on the pathological soft tissue pathology.