FAI
The hip joint is also referred to as the femoroacetabular joint. It is a ball-and-socket joint It is composedof the head of the thigh bone (the femur) in the cup-shaped socket of the pelvis (the acetabulum). The socket’s surface and the femur’s head are lined with articular cartilage, providing smooth hip and leg movements. A piece of fibrocartilage, called the labrum, rims the socket and acts like a gasket sealing the joint, keeping the bones aligned, and permits a wide range of motion and joint stability.
FAI is a structural abnormality in the hip that causes hip pain and is a potential risk for developing degenerative arthritis of the hip. 10-15% of the population has these structural abnormalities, but they don’t cause symptoms in all patients. In those patients that do develop symptoms, overuse without treatment may lead to joint damage and pain. . FAI is often diagnosed in patients who participate in athletic activities, particularly those that require hip flexion (bending) FAI is a common pain generator in the young adult community. During the initial phase, pain is intermittent and aggravated by sports, prolonged walking or sitting, such as driving for long periods, and even sexual activity.
There are three types of FAI:
- CAM deformity is characterized by an abnormally shaped head of the femur.
- An abnormal oversized acetabulum characterizes the pincer deformity.
- Mixed FAI is a combination of CAM and Pincer abnormalities.
FAI results from an anatomic abnormality of the head of the thigh bone (femoral head), the socket (acetbaulum), or both. It is a condition where excess bone forms on one or both bones in the hip joint – the femur and the acetabulum. Extra bone on the femoral side is a CAM deformity, extra bone on the acetabulum is a pincer deformity, and extra bone on both is a mixed deformity.
The excess bone changes the shape and dimensions of the bones, which alters normal biomechanics, stresses the joint, and accelerates joint deterioration. The deformity pinches and tears the hip labrum and rubs away the cartilage so the bones rub together, resulting in pain and disability and can lead to osteoarthritis in the joint if left untreated.
There are many causes for abnormal hip formation during adolescence, including pediatric hip diseases and high-impact sports like soccer, basketball, football, and ice hockey.
- groin pain with prolonged sitting or standing
- pain in the thigh, back or buttocks
- stiffness
- limping
- restricted range of motion
- locking or giving way
- difficulty performing the activities of daily life
Diagnosis requires both a physical exam and imaging studies. Hip surgeon, Dr. Daniel Kaplan, will perform a comprehensive orthopedic examination to identify the cause of your pain, including asessment of hip ranges of motion and response to impingement tests. X-rays will provide information about bone shapes related to the CAM and Pincer types. Imaging studies may include CT scans and MRIs. Diagnostic local anesthetic injections into the hip joint can provide temporary relief and confirm the diagnosis.
Schedule an orthopedics consultation today.
If you suffer from hip impingement, schedule an orthopedic consultation today with Brooklyn’s leading hip surgeon, Dr. Daniel Kaplan. Dr. Kaplan is an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center in Manhattan and Brooklyn. He is also the chief of sports medicine at Bellevue Hospital and the chief of sports medicine at the VA hospital in Manhattan. He is a Sports Medicine and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in diagnosing and treating hip conditions. You’re in expert hands.
At a Glance
Dr. Daniel Kaplan
- Fellowship-trained Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgeon
- Expertise in Complex Shoulder Hip and Knee minimally-invasive reconstruction procedures
- Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU
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