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Femoroacetabular Impingement FAQs

What is Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)?

The hip is a ball and socket joint. Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI), also known as hip impingement, is a condition where the bones of the hip joint are not shaped correctly, leading to abnormal contact between the femoral head (ball) and the acetabulum (socket). This improper fit causes the bones to rub against each other, resulting in pain and potential damage to the hip joint structures, including the labrum and cartilage.

FAI is generally caused by abnormal bone development during the growing years, resulting in bones that do not fit together as they should. These irregularities can develop without a specific reason or may be influenced by physical activities, especially those that involve repetitive hip motion. Other contributing factors include genetic predisposition, childhood hip conditions, and previous hip injuries.

Symptoms of FAI often include:

  • Pain in the groin area, particularly when sitting for long periods, bending, or during physical activities.
  • Stiffness in the hip joint making it difficult to move the leg.
  • Reduced range of motion in the hip.
  • A catching, clicking, or locking sensation in the hip during movement.

There are three main types of FAI:

  • Cam Impingement: Occurs when the femoral head (the “ball”) is not round and does not rotate smoothly inside the acetabulum. The misshapen femoral head can rub against the acetabulum, causing damage.
  • Pincer Impingement: Happens when the acetabulum (the “socket”) has extra bone extending over the femoral head, causing it to pinch the femur’s neck and lead to joint friction.
  • Combined Impingement: This is when both cam and pincer impingements are present, causing a combination of issues within the joint.

FAI is diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination, patient history, and imaging tests. Dr. Kaplan will assess hip movement and identify the source of pain. Imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, are used to detect abnormalities in the shape of the bones and evaluate any associated damage to the hip joint.

Femoroacetabular Impingement is recognized as a common cause of hip and groin pain, especially among young to middle-aged adults, ages 20 to 45. Athletes and people who participate in sports involving repetitive hip movements, such as soccer, hockey, and dance, are particularly likely to develop this condition. However, it can also occurs frequently in non-athletes.

Treatment options for FAI depend on the severity of symptoms and the extent of joint damage:

  • Non-surgical treatments: Physical therapy, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage symptoms by improving hip strength and flexibility while reducing inflammation.
  • Surgical treatments: Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure to correct the bone abnormalities, repair labral tears, and alleviate impingement. In more advanced cases, open hip surgery may be required to reshape the bones for a better fit.

Recovery time after surgery for varies depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. Patients typically use crutches for a few weeks post-surgery. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery, often continuing for several months. Most patients can return to normal activities within 3 to 6 months, although high-impact sports may require a longer recovery period.

Untreated impingement can lead to damage of the hip’s cartilage and labrum, which increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the hip joint over time. The abnormal friction within the joint can cause progressive degeneration, potentially resulting in chronic pain and disability.

With appropriate treatment, many individuals with Femoroacetabular Impingement can achieve significant pain relief and improved hip function. If treated early, the risk of long-term complications, such as osteoarthritis, can be reduced.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Daniel Kaplan is one of the leading hip surgeons in Brooklyn and NYC. Our team specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hip conditions and injuries. Hip injuries can be debilitating and prevent you from participating in your active everyday life. We offer advanced and comprehensive orthopedic care for patients of all ages and activity levels with hip pain and injuries. From hip injuries such as hip impingement to complex hip fractures, we can help. Contact Dr. Kaplan at his Brooklyn or NYC office to schedule a consultation today.

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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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