Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

What Is Hip Impingement (FAI)?

Hip impingement, or femoroacetabular impingement, occurs when the bones of the hip joint develop an irregular shape, preventing smooth movement of the joint. Over time, this abnormal contact can damage the cartilage and labrum, leading to pain and reduced mobility. Hip impingement typically falls into three types:

• Cam impingement: Abnormal bone growth on the femoral head (ball), leading to a loss of its round shape.
• Pincer impingement: Excess bone growth on the acetabulum (socket), causing it to over-cover the femoral head.
• Combined impingement: A combination of both cam and pincer deformities.

Symptoms of Femoroacetabular Impingement

FAI symptoms can vary in severity but often include:

• Pain in the groin or front of the hip, especially during or after activity.
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the hip joint.
• Clicking, locking, or catching sensations in the hip.
• Discomfort when sitting for long periods or performing activities that require hip flexion.

If these symptoms interfere with your daily life, a thorough evaluation by our specialists can confirm the diagnosis and guide your treatment.

Femoroacetabular Impingement Causes and Risk Factors

FAI often develops during the growth years, when the hip joint forms its final shape. Risk factors include:

• Genetics: A family history of FAI or hip abnormalities.
• Athletics: Participation in high-impact sports or activities that place repeated stress on the hip joint.
• Structural Abnormalities: Congenital or developmental issues affecting hip joint formation.

Without treatment, FAI can lead to joint damage and increase the risk of hip osteoarthritis.

Diagnosing Femoroacetabular Impingement

At Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, diagnosing FAI involves:

• Medical History and Physical Exam: Assessing symptoms, range of motion, and joint stability.
• Imaging Studies: X-rays to identify bone abnormalities, and MRI to evaluate cartilage and labrum damage.
• Diagnostic Injections: In some cases, a local anesthetic may be injected into the hip joint to confirm the source of pain.

Treatment Options for Femoroacetabular Impingement

Our specialists provide a full range of non-surgical and surgical treatments tailored to your specific condition and goals.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve joint stability, and reduce strain on the hip.
• Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms while maintaining joint mobility.
• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
• Injections: Corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to relieve pain and promote healing.

Surgical Treatments

If non-surgical treatments are not effective, surgery may be necessary to address the structural abnormalities and prevent further joint damage. Our surgeons specialize in minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, which include:

• Hip Arthroscopy: Removing bone spurs and reshaping the femoral head or acetabulum to improve joint movement.
• Labrum Repair or Reconstruction: Addressing any labrum tears associated with FAI.
• Cartilage Restoration: Treating areas of damaged cartilage to preserve joint health.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from FAI treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the chosen approach. Key aspects of recovery include:

• Rest and Protection: Limiting weight-bearing activities immediately after surgery to allow healing.
• Physical Therapy: A structured rehabilitation program to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
• Gradual Return to Activity: Most patients resume daily activities within a few weeks, with full recovery taking 3-6 months for non-athletes and longer for those returning to sports.

Why Choose Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush?

Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush is a leader in hip care, offering expertise in diagnosing and treating femoroacetabular impingement. Our fellowship-trained specialists use advanced technology and minimally invasive techniques to provide patient-centered care and optimal outcomes. Whether your goal is pain relief, improved mobility, or a return to sports, we are here to help you achieve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hip impingement the same as FAI?

Yes. Hip impingement and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) are two names for the same condition, in which abnormally shaped hip bones make contact and can damage the labrum and cartilage.

Does hip impingement always require surgery?

No. Many patients improve with non-surgical care such as activity modification, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. Arthroscopic surgery is generally considered when symptoms persist despite non-surgical treatment and imaging confirms a structural cause. Your surgeon reviews the options with you.

What happens if hip impingement is left untreated?

Because the abnormal contact can gradually wear the labrum and cartilage, untreated impingement may contribute to labral tears and, over time, hip arthritis in some patients. An evaluation can help determine whether treatment is appropriate for your situation.

How is hip impingement diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically combines a physical examination, including movement tests that reproduce the pinching, with imaging such as X-rays and sometimes an MRI to assess the bone shape and any labral or cartilage damage.