Understanding Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition where the bones in the hip joint have an abnormal shape, causing them to rub against each other during movement. This friction can lead to damage over time, especially to the cartilage and labrum, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis and affecting mobility. Understanding FAI, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, can help in managing the condition and preserving hip joint health. 

What is Femoroacetabular Impingement? 

The hip joint functions as a ball-and-socket structure, where the head of the femur (ball) fits into the acetabulum (socket) in the pelvis. In people with FAI, either the femur head, acetabulum, or both have structural abnormalities, leading to impingement, or rubbing. FAI is typically classified into three types: 

• Cam Impingement: Occurs when the femoral head is not perfectly round, creating an abnormal shape that can damage the cartilage of the socket during movement. 

• Pincer Impingement: Results when the acetabulum covers too much of the femoral head, causing the labrum to become pinched. 

• Combined Impingement: Involves both cam and pincer types, causing significant wear on the joint. 

FAI often affects young, active individuals and can limit range of motion and lead to pain and stiffness over time. 

Causes of Femoroacetabular Impingement 

The development of FAI is likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including: 

• Genetics: Individuals with a family history of hip problems may have a higher likelihood of developing FAI. 

• Repetitive Motion: Activities involving repetitive hip movements, especially in sports such as hockey, soccer, and ballet, can increase the risk of developing FAI. 

• Hip Development: Certain abnormalities in hip bone development during childhood or adolescence can predispose someone to FAI as they grow older.

Symptoms of FAI 

Symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement can vary in intensity and may progress as the condition worsens. Common symptoms include: 

• Hip Pain: Pain is typically felt in the groin area but can extend to the outside of the hip. Pain often worsens during or after activities involving hip movement, such as running, jumping, or sitting for prolonged periods. 

• Stiffness: Reduced range of motion and stiffness in the hip joint, particularly when trying to rotate the hip inward. 

• Clicking or Catching Sensation: Some individuals may experience a clicking, locking, or catching sensation during movement, particularly with deep hip flexion. 

If left untreated, FAI can lead to hip osteoarthritis due to ongoing damage to the cartilage and labrum. 

Diagnosing FAI 

A thorough clinical evaluation is necessary to diagnose FAI. Physicians will typically conduct a physical examination, reviewing medical history and assessing the hip’s range of motion. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans, are commonly used to confirm the diagnosis by revealing the structural abnormalities of the hip joint. 

Treatment Options for Femoroacetabular Impingement 

Treating FAI typically depends on the severity of the condition, with both conservative and surgical approaches available: 

1. Activity Modification and Lifestyle Changes 

• Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms is often the first step. Individuals may need to limit repetitive hip movements or high-impact sports to reduce the strain on the hip joint. 

2. Medication 

• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may help manage pain and reduce inflammation around the hip joint. 

3. Sports Medicine Approaches 

• Sports medicine specialists can guide patients through safe stretching and strengthening exercises. Targeting muscles around the hip can help support joint stability and alleviate some of the symptoms associated with FAI. 

4. Surgical Intervention 

• For more advanced cases, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended. This minimally invasive procedure can remove excess bone, repair damaged cartilage, and reshape the hip joint to restore function and reduce friction. Arthroscopic surgery has a relatively low risk of complications and can significantly improve outcomes for people with FAI. 

Preventing Long-Term Complications and Seeking Care 

While FAI itself can’t always be prevented, early diagnosis and management are crucial in reducing the risk of long-term complications like osteoarthritis. Staying proactive about hip health, modifying activities when needed, and seeking medical guidance early can help maintain hip function and prevent ongoing joint damage. 

If you’re experiencing hip pain or discomfort that could be related to femoroacetabular impingement, the experts at ROC are here to help. We provide personalized treatment options to address your specific needs, whether that involves conservative management or advanced surgical techniques. Reach out to ROC today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better hip health.