Femoroacetabular Impingement

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a hip condition that involves abnormal contact between the femoral head (the ball-shaped top of the thighbone) and the acetabulum (the socket of the hip joint). This condition can result in friction and damage to the joint structures, including the labrum (a rim of cartilage around the socket) and articular cartilage (the smooth tissue that covers the bones’ surfaces). FAI is often associated with hip pain and can lead to the development of hip osteoarthritis over time.

FAI is generally categorized into three types:

1. Cam Impingement: In this type, the femoral head is not perfectly spherical and doesn’t smoothly rotate within the acetabulum. This can lead to abnormal contact and friction during hip movement.
2. Pincer Impingement: Pincer impingement occurs when there is excessive coverage or overgrowth of the acetabulum, causing the femoral head to make contact with the acetabulum prematurely during certain movements.
3. Mixed Impingement: This type involves a combination of both cam and pincer impingements.

FAI is often seen in individuals who have structural abnormalities of the hip joint, which can be congenital or develop over time due to factors such as repetitive movements, sports activities, and genetics. It’s especially common in young adults and athletes.

Symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement may include:

• Hip pain, often in the groin or front of the hip, that is aggravated by certain movements or activities.
• Stiffness and limited range of motion in the hip joint.
• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, walking, or activities that involve hip flexion and rotation.
• Catching or clicking sensations in the hip.

Diagnosing FAI involves a combination of a physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. These tests can help determine the type of impingement and assess the extent of damage to the joint structures.

Treatment options for femoroacetabular impingement include:

• Conservative Management: Rest, activity modification, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage symptoms and improve hip function.
• Corticosteroid Injections: Injecting corticosteroids into the hip joint can provide temporary pain relief and reduce inflammation.
• Surgery: In cases where conservative measures are not effective, or if there is significant damage to the joint structures, surgical intervention might be considered. Hip arthroscopy is a common procedure used to reshape the bones, repair damaged tissues, and alleviate impingement.

Proper medical evaluation and treatment are important to prevent further joint damage and improve hip function. If you suspect you have femoroacetabular impingement or are experiencing hip pain, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.