Femoral Acetabular Impingement
What is femoral acetabular impingement (FAI)?
Femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition in which abnormal contact occurs between the femoral head/neck and the hip socket (acetabulum) during movement, causing friction that can damage the joint over time. This is usually due to extra bone forming on the femoral head (cam type), the socket (pincer type), or a combination of both.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) include:
Groin pain
Stiffness, particularly with hip flexion
Reduced range of motion
Clicking or catching sensations
Pain with prolonged sitting or activity
Causes and risk factors
Femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) can develop for a number of reasons, including:
Developmental variations in bone shape
Repetitive hip movement, particularly in certain sports
Genetic factors
Treatment options for femoral acetabular impingement (FAI)
Treatment for FAI depends on the severity of symptoms and the degree of any associated joint damage, such as a labral tear.
Non-surgical treatment
Non-surgical treatment is often tried first, and may include:
Physiotherapy
Activity modification
Anti-inflammatory medication
Joint injections
Surgical treatment
When symptoms persist despite non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment may be considered:
Hip Arthroscopy — used to reshape the affected bone and address any associated damage, such as a labral tear.
Femoral Acetabular Frequently Asked Questions
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No, many patients manage their symptoms successfully with non-surgical treatment. Surgery is generally considered when symptoms persist.
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Yes, FAI is a common cause of labral tears, as the abnormal contact between bones can damage the labrum over time.
Pelvis & Hip Surgery in Melbourne
If you would like to discuss your symptoms or treatment options, contact Dr Varun Arora to schedule a consultation.