periacetabular

Periacetabular denotes anything located around the acetabulum, the cup-shaped socket of the hip joint formed by portions of the ilium, ischium, and pubis. In clinical contexts, the term is most commonly encountered in relation to procedures and injuries involving the acetabular region.

One prominent use is periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), a joint-preserving surgical procedure to correct insufficient femoral head coverage in acetabular dysplasia or developmental dysplasia of the hip in adolescents and young adults. During PAO, surgeons perform osteotomies around the acetabulum and reorient the socket to improve coverage while preserving the articular cartilage and the joint. The technique was developed in the late 20th century, with contributions from Reinhold Ganz and colleagues, and has since become a standard option for suitable patients.

Periacetabular fracture refers to fractures that involve the acetabular ring and adjacent margins, typically resulting from high-energy trauma. These injuries require careful radiologic assessment and are managed based on fracture pattern, stability, and joint congruity, often using open reduction and internal fixation with pelvic stabilization when indicated.

In imaging and anatomy, the term helps specify findings or pathologies in the region surrounding the hip socket, distinguishing periacetabular pathology from acetabular, pelvic, or femoral conditions. Diagnostic evaluation commonly includes pelvic radiographs, CT, and sometimes MRI to delineate bone and cartilage involvement and to plan treatment.

See also: acetabulum, hip dysplasia, pelvic fracture, osteotomy.