What Is Femoroacetabular Impingement?

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition that occurs when there is excessive friction in the hip joint due to bony irregularities. This friction can cause pain and limit the range of motion in the hip. The femoral head and acetabulum rub against each other, which can damage the articular cartilage (the smooth surface of the ball or socket) or the labral tissue (the lining of the edge of the socket). Repeated friction can cause fraying or tearing of the articular cartilage or labral tissue. Over time, this can result in the loss of more cartilage and labrum until the femur and acetabulum impact each other, resulting in bone-on-bone friction, which is often referred to as osteoarthritis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) can include hip pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.

Pain may be felt in the groin, hip, or lower back, and may worsen with activity or prolonged sitting. In some cases, FAI can lead to the development of hip labral tears or osteoarthritis.

Symptoms may vary depending on the type of FAI, with cam impingement more commonly causing pain during activity, and pincer impingement more commonly causing pain during sitting or prolonged flexion of the hip. It’s important to see a medical professional if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage to the hip joint.

  • Pain in the inner hip or groin area after prolonged sitting or walking
  • Groin pain associated with hip activity
  • Complaints of pain in the front, side or back of the hip
  • Pain in the buttocks or outer thigh area
  • A locking, clicking or catching sensation in the hip
  • Difficulty in walking uphill
  • Restricted hip movement
  • Low back pain

Treatment

Non-surgical treatments for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) can help manage pain and improve mobility, but they won’t address the underlying biomechanical issues that cause FAI.
These treatments may include rest, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, hip joint injections with steroids and analgesics.

However, if these conservative measures fail to provide relief, surgical treatment with hip arthroscopy may be necessary.

TIPS & INFO

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

There are three main types:

Cam Impingement: An abnormally shaped femoral head.

Pincer Impingement: An over-coverage of the acetabulum.

Combined Impingement: A combination of both cam and pincer abnormalities.

FAI often results from developmental deformities during childhood, leading to abnormal bone shapes in the hip joint. Repetitive motions in sports can also contribute to the condition.

Diagnosis involves a physical examination, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs, and specific tests like the FADDIR and FABER tests to assess hip movement and pain.

Initial treatments include rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. If symptoms persist, surgical options like hip arthroscopy may be considered.

FAI is more common in young and middle-aged adults, especially those involved in sports that require repetitive hip movements.

Yes, if left untreated, FAI can cause damage to the cartilage and labrum, potentially leading to osteoarthritis of the hip joint.

Recovery varies depending on the individual and the extent of surgery. Generally, patients can expect several months of rehabilitation to regain full hip function.