About Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is one of the more common causes of hip pain and early arthritis in patients under the age of 50. It occurs when the hip socket, also known as the acetabulum, does not fully develop into a shape that adequately supports the ball portion of the hip joint, called the femoral head.
When the socket does not provide enough coverage or support, the forces that normally pass evenly through the hip joint are instead concentrated on the labrum and cartilage. The labrum is a ring of fibrous cartilage that lines the rim of the socket and helps stabilize the joint. Over time, these abnormal forces can lead to labral tears, cartilage damage, pain, and a gradual breakdown of the joint. If left untreated, hip dysplasia can contribute to early arthritis and long-term loss of function.
Diagnosing hip dysplasia can be challenging and requires a comprehensive evaluation by a specialized care team. Diagnosis is based on a combination of your symptoms, physical examination, X-rays, and advanced imaging such as MRI.
Imaging studies may reveal:
- Version deformities of the acetabulum, where the socket tilts too far forward (anteversion) or too far backward (retroversion)
- Bony abnormalities of the femoral neck that increase the risk of labral tearing
- Labral and cartilage injuries that are best visualized on MRI
MRI plays an important role in identifying soft tissue injuries and guiding treatment decisions.
Understanding Your Surgery
The goal of combined hip preservation surgery is not only to treat the symptoms you are experiencing, but also to correct the underlying cause of those symptoms. By addressing both the labral injury and the structural misalignment of the hip, the procedure aims to reduce pain, improve function, and protect the hip joint from further damage in the future.
Hip preservation surgery is performed in two coordinated parts during the same surgical setting.
The first portion of the procedure is a hip arthroscopy. During this minimally invasive surgery, a surgeon who specializes in hip arthroscopy uses a small camera to look inside the hip joint. This allows the surgeon to identify labral tears and other areas of damage. The torn labral tissue is repaired, and if there are bony prominences contributing to excess stress on the labrum, they are addressed at this time.
Once the arthroscopy is complete, a surgeon who specializes in hip dysplasia performs the corrective portion of the surgery. This is known as a periacetabular osteotomy, or PAO.
During a PAO
- X-ray guidance is used throughout the procedure
- The pelvis is carefully cut around the hip socket
- The socket is repositioned to better support the ball of the hip
- The corrected position is secured with multiple screws
As the bone heals, new bone forms across the cut surfaces, permanently stabilizing the socket in its new position.
Patients who undergo a PAO are typically hospitalized for several days following surgery to support pain control, mobility training, and safe recovery.
Surgery Checklist
This checklist is designed to help you stay organized as you prepare for surgery. Keeping this information in one place can reduce stress and ensure that nothing is overlooked.
Surgery Information
Surgery Location
- Address:
OrthoColorado Hospital
11650 W 2nd Place
Lakewood, CO 80228 - Phone: 720-321-5200
Surgery Date
You will receive this information from the Panorama team.
Surgery Time
You will receive this information from OrthoColorado Hospital within a few days of your surgery.
Preoperative Appointments and Planning
Preadmission Testing
Once your surgery is scheduled, OrthoColorado Hospital will contact you to arrange a preadmission testing appointment with your dedicated nurse navigator.
Medical Clearance (2–4 weeks prior to surgery)
You will receive instructions regarding medical clearance from the Panorama team.
Hip Brace Fitting
Date, time, and location will be provided by the Panorama team.
Please bring your brace with you to OrthoColorado Hospital on the day of surgery.
CPM Machine Delivery
For issues related to delivery or use, contact:
Saundra Sorenson
- Phone: 800-845-6364
- Email: [email protected]
Please bring your CPM machine with you to OrthoColorado Hospital on the day of surgery.
Crutches or Walker
You are responsible for purchasing or renting crutches and/or a walker prior to surgery.
Post-Surgery Physical Therapy
Schedule your post-operative physical therapy appointments before surgery.
A physical therapy prescription will be provided by your care team.
Educational Materials
The Panorama team will reach out via email with additional educational resources and videos.
Post-Surgery Follow-Up Appointments
Three follow-up visits are typically scheduled at:
- 10 to 14 days
- 6 weeks
- 3 months
Kaiser patients should coordinate care with their Kaiser care team.
Pre-Surgery Physical Therapy
Starting physical therapy before surgery helps prepare your body for the recovery process. Strong hip and core muscles can improve stability after surgery and may reduce the risk of complications related to weakness or improper weight bearing.
Your surgical team will provide guidance on appropriate exercises and expectations prior to surgery.
Certain medications can increase surgical risks and must be stopped before surgery.
One week prior to surgery, discontinue:
- NSAIDs
- Vitamins, minerals, and supplements
- Semaglutide or tirzepatide medications (Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy)
Additional important instructions:
- Cancel dental appointments 6 weeks before and after surgery
- Discontinue oral contraceptive pills 4 weeks before surgery due to increased blood clot risk
- Implantable birth control devices such as IUD or Nexplanon do not need to be removed
- Oral contraceptives may be resumed 2 weeks after surgery
If you have diabetes and take metformin, consult your endocrinologist regarding when to stop and resume this medication.
Notify your surgical team if you have a bleeding disorder, clotting disorder, or a history of blood clots.
Surgery Preparation & Medications
Your surgery is an inpatient procedure, meaning you will remain in the hospital for several days following surgery.
What to Bring to the Hospital
Please bring:
- Insurance card and photo ID
- A list of current medications and doses
- Toiletries and personal comfort items
- Comfortable clothing such as loose sweatpants
- Crutches
- Hip brace
- CPM machine
- An extra bag for equipment and postoperative paperwork
Follow all pre-admission instructions provided by OrthoColorado Hospital.
Prescription Medications
Blood Clot Prevention
Most patients will be prescribed blood thinners after surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots. It is important to complete the entire course as directed. A stomach-protecting medication will also be provided while taking blood thinners and anti-inflammatories.
Pain Medication
- Pain management typically includes:
- Tylenol
- Anti-inflammatories
- Muscle relaxers
- Opioid pain medication as needed
Do not drink alcohol, drive, or operate heavy machinery while taking opioid medications.
The Panorama surgical team manages postoperative pain control for up to two months after surgery.
For refills, call 303-233-1223 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Please allow 24 hours for refills. Refills are not provided after 5 p.m. on Fridays or on weekends.
Stool Softener and Anti-Nausea Medication
Constipation is common after surgery, especially when taking opioid pain medication. Drink plenty of fluids and increase fiber intake.
Ondansetron may be taken as needed for nausea.
During Your Hospital Stay
During your hospital stay, your care team will work closely with you to support pain control, mobility, and a safe transition home. Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) sessions are carefully coordinated with nursing staff to ensure your pain level allows you to participate safely.
Any activity that requires getting out of bed must be supervised by hospital staff. Do not attempt to get out of bed on your own or with family assistance.
Postoperative Pain Management
Pain after surgery is expected. The goal of pain management is to reduce discomfort to a level that allows you to move, breathe deeply, and participate in recovery activities.
Pain is managed using a multimodal approach, which may include medications, ice, movement, and positioning. Reducing reliance on opioids helps minimize side effects such as nausea, constipation, itching, and drowsiness.
It is important to tell your care team if you are experiencing pain. Managing pain early is more effective than waiting until it becomes severe.
General Activity
Changing positions frequently helps prevent stiffness and promotes healing. Alternate between sitting, reclining, and lying down every 30 to 60 minutes. Move around your home as tolerated.
Spend 1 to 2 hours per day lying on your stomach without the brace.
You may drive once you are no longer taking narcotic pain medication and are no longer using crutches or a walker.
You will be partial weight bearing with flat foot placement, approximately 20 pounds, for 6 weeks.
- Use crutches or a walker during this time
- Walk with your foot flat and mimic a normal gait
- X-rays will be taken at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months
Your surgeon will determine when it is safe to progress to full weight bearing.
After hip surgery, sitting properly helps protect your healing hip.
When sitting:
- Use a firm chair with armrests
- Keep knees slightly lower than hips
- Avoid crossing your legs
- Avoid leaning forward
- Keep feet flat on the floor
How to Sit Down After Hip Surgery
Crutches improve safety and balance and are typically used for 6 weeks.
How to Sit Down After Hip Surgery
Recovery Equipment & Tools
During your recovery, several pieces of equipment and supportive therapies are used to help manage pain, protect your surgical site, and restore safe movement. Understanding the purpose of each item can make recovery feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
Wound Care
You will have a waterproof dressing placed over your hip incision following surgery. This dressing is designed to protect the surgical site while allowing limited exposure to moisture.
Key wound care instructions:
- The waterproof dressing should remain in place for 7 days after surgery
- The dressing is typically removed on the same day your Ambit pain pump is discontinued
- Additional waterproof dressings (Tegaderm) will be provided for use after day 7
It is normal to see blood-tinged fluid on the bandages. This may appear pinkish or yellow and is expected during early healing.
Additional care guidelines:
- Wait 7 days before showering to avoid dislodging or wetting the pain pump
- If you must shower before day 7, keep the pain pump dry and outside of the shower
- Do not soak the incision in water (baths, hot tubs, pools) for at least 4 weeks
- If incisions accidentally get wet, gently pat dry and replace with a clean bandage
- Do not scrub the incision sites
- Do not apply lotions or ointments for at least 4 weeks
- Do not allow pets to sit on your lap or sleep in your bed for 4 weeks after surgery
If you are using a compressive wrap, you may remove it for showering and reapply afterward for compression.
Pain Pump
To assist with pain control following surgery, you will go home with a small pain pump that continuously delivers local anesthetic medication to the surgical area. This medication blocks pain signals near the incision and can reduce the amount of narcotic pain medication needed.
What to expect:
- A small catheter will be placed near the incision and connected to the pump
- The pump delivers non-narcotic medication automatically
- The catheter and dressing are removed after 7 days
Important notes:
- The pump is NOT disposable and must be returned
- Instructions for removal and return will be reviewed before discharge
For questions or concerns related to the pain pump, contact the 24/7 Nursing Support Hotline: 1-800-444-2728
Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) Machine
A CPM machine helps gently move your hip joint through a controlled range of motion. This movement supports healing by reducing stiffness, minimizing scar tissue formation, and improving circulation.
Before surgery:
- The CPM company will contact you to arrange delivery, typically one week to a few days before surgery
- The machine will be adjusted to fit you and instructions will be provided
- If traveling from out of state, the CPM can be delivered directly to OrthoColorado Hospital
During and after surgery:
- Bring the CPM machine with you on the day of surgery
- You will begin using the CPM while hospitalized
- Use the machine for 4 to 6 hours per day for a total of 6 weeks
Settings:
- Begin at 1 cycle per minute
- Initial range: 20° extension to 55° flexion
- Increase by 7–8° daily as tolerated
- Do not exceed 0–90° of motion
How to Use the CPM (Continuous Passive Motion Machine) after Hip Surgery
Hip Brace
The hip brace is an important safety tool used during walking and standing activities to protect your healing hip.
What to expect:
- You will be contacted 1 to 2 weeks before surgery to schedule a brace fitting
- The brace is worn on the outside of your clothing
- You will wear the brace while walking for 6 weeks after surgery, which is the same duration as crutches
You do not need to wear the brace while:
- Sleeping
- Icing
- Showering
- Using the bathroom
- Lying on your stomach
- Using the CPM machine
- Using an upright bike
The purpose of the brace is to prevent:
- Hyperflexion, or bending too far forward at the hip
- Abduction, or bringing the leg too far out to the side
How to Use Your Hip Brace After Hip Arthroscopy
Ice Therapy
Cold therapy plays an important role in managing pain and swelling during recovery.
Ice therapy guidelines:
- First 72 hours: Ice as much as possible, ideally 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off
- After 72 hours: Ice 4 to 5 times per day
- After 2 weeks: Ice as needed
Always place ice over a thin layer of clothing or fabric. Never place ice directly on the skin.
Every surgical procedure carries some level of risk. Your care team takes many precautions to minimize complications, but it is important to understand what to watch for during recovery.
Infection
The risk of infection is reduced through sterile surgical techniques and antibiotics. Keeping the skin clean before surgery and following wound care instructions after surgery are critical in reducing this risk.
Blood Clots (DVT)
The risk of developing a blood clot is reduced through early motion, use of the CPM machine, and blood thinning medications such as aspirin. Following all postoperative instructions helps reduce this risk.
Pain
Pain is expected after surgery. Medication, ice, rest, compression, elevation, and therapy all play a role in pain control.
Numbness
Temporary numbness on the upper outer portion of the thigh is common after surgery. This occurs due to stretching of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve near the surgical area. In most cases, sensation improves over time.
Please contact the office if you experience:
- A fever greater than 100.4°F
- Chills or sweats
- Pus, significant pain, or redness around the incision sites
- Inability to urinate for more than 1 to 2 days after surgery
A low-grade fever can be normal after surgery, but temperatures reaching this level should be reported.
Your Panorama care team is available to support you throughout your recovery. Please use the appropriate contact based on your needs.
Dr. Patel
- Phone: 720-497-6698
- Fax: 720-497-6772
- Email: [email protected]
Prescription Refills
For refills or prescription changes
- Available Monday through Friday, 8am–3pm (excluding holidays)
- Phone: 720-497-6698
Appointment Scheduling
For questions regarding patient appointments or to schedule follow-up appointments or office visits
- Available Monday through Friday, 7am–5pm (excluding holidays)
- Phone: 720-497-6698
Disability and FMLA Paperwork
For questions related to disability, FMLA, and return-to-work documentation
- Fax completed forms to the physician fax number listed above
- Paperwork may also be emailed or dropped off in person
- Please allow 5–7 business days for completion
Pre-Authorizations
For insurance authorization questions
- Available Monday through Friday, 9am–4:30pm (excluding holidays)
- Phone: 303-233-1223
Panorama Physical Therapy
To schedule physical therapy appointments
- Phone: 303-274-7330
Panorama Billing and Customer Service
For questions regarding insurance or billing
- Phone: 720-497-6637
Hip Brace Guide & Reminders
Your hip brace has been pre-set specifically for your recovery. You do not need to adjust any range-of-motion settings unless instructed by your care team. The total duration of brace use depends on your procedure and typically ranges from 3 to 6 weeks.
Practice Before Surgery
Practicing brace use before surgery can make recovery smoother. We recommend:
- Practicing putting the brace on and taking it off
- Performing a “practice run” from your vehicle to your recovery area and bathroom
- Practicing stair navigation if applicable
Stair safety reminder:
- Going up stairs: lead with your non-surgical leg
- Going down stairs: lead with your crutches and surgical leg
- Your crutches and surgical leg should always move together, with the surgical foot touching the ground lightly for balance
Do not forget to bring your brace with you to the hospital on the day of surgery.
Wearing Your Brace
Putting on Your Brace
- While sitting, wrap the waistband first, ensuring the leg panel runs directly down the side of your leg
- Attach the leg strap
- Secure the belt compression straps last
Taking Off Your Brace
- Loosen the compression straps
- Detach the leg strap
- Release the waistband
Proper Fit
Your brace should be snug enough that it does not shift while walking, but not so tight that it causes discomfort.
When to Wear the Brace
A general rule is: if you are using your crutches, you should be wearing your brace.
The brace is not required while sleeping, showering, or sitting at home.
Bathroom Tip
You may remove only the leg strap to use the restroom. Placing this strap inward allows the remainder of the brace to sit above the waistline, avoiding full removal.
Local Accommodations & Travel Planning
If you are traveling to OrthoColorado Hospital for hip preservation surgery, planning your lodging and transportation in advance can make your experience significantly smoother and less stressful.
Because this procedure is inpatient and requires limited mobility for several weeks, many patients traveling from outside the Denver metro area choose to:
- Arrive 1 to 2 days before surgery
- Stay locally for several days after discharge
- Remain in the area through their first follow-up appointment
Your care team can help guide timing if you are unsure how long to stay.
Accommodation
Choosing the Right Accommodation
During the early recovery period, comfort and accessibility are especially important. When reviewing lodging options, consider the following:
- Elevator access or first-floor rooms
- ADA-accessible accommodations if needed
- Walk-in showers
- Space for crutches, walker, CPM machine, and brace
- Kitchen or kitchenette access for longer stays
- Proximity to OrthoColorado Hospital
You will be partial weight bearing for 6 weeks, so minimizing stairs and long walking distances is strongly recommended.
Local Hotel & Lodging Resource
We have compiled a list of nearby hotels and lodging options to assist you in planning your stay.
Please refer to the linked document below for current hotel information, locations, and contact details:
Local Hotel & Accommodation Guide
This resource includes properties commonly used by patients and families traveling for care.
Transportation
Transportation Planning
You will not be able to drive while taking narcotic pain medication or while using crutches. If you are traveling alone, please arrange for:
- A responsible adult to accompany you home from the hospital
- Transportation to follow-up appointments
- Assistance with errands during early recovery
If you are flying, notify your airline in advance if wheelchair assistance is needed.
Traveling Home After Surgery
If you are traveling long distances after discharge:
- Plan for frequent stops to move and stretch
- Continue blood clot prevention as directed
- Keep your surgical leg supported and comfortable
- Bring necessary medications and instructions with you
Your care team will confirm that you are safe for travel prior to discharge.