What is Femoroacetabular Impingement?

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition where there is too much friction in the hip joint from bony irregularities causing pain and decreased range of hip motion.

Types of Femoroacetabular Impingement

FAI impingement generally occurs as two forms: Cam and Pincer.

Cam Impingement: The Cam form of impingement is when the femoral head and neck are not perfectly round.

Pincer Impingement: The Pincer form of impingement is when the socket or acetabulum rim has overgrown and is too deep.

Symptoms of FAI

can include:

Groin pain associated with hip activity, pain in the front, side or back of the hip.

Pain may be described as a dull ache or sharp pain and may include a locking, clicking, or catching sensation in the hip. Pain often occurs to the inner hip or groin area after prolonged sitting or walking, difficulty in walking uphill, restricted hip movement, low back pain, pain in the buttocks or outer thigh area.

Risk Factors for the Development of FAI

A risk factor is something that is likely to increase a person’s chances of developing a disease or condition. Risk factors may include the following:

Athletes such as football players, weightlifters and hockey players

Workers engaged in heavy labour

Repetitive hip flexion

Congenital hip dislocation

Anatomical abnormalities of the femoral head or angle of the hip

Legg-Calves-Perthes disease: a form of arthritis in children where blood supply to the bone is impaired causing bone breakdown.

Trauma to the hip

Inflammatory arthritis

Treatment Options for FAI

Conservative treatment will not change the underlying abnormal biomechanics of the hip causing the FAI but may offer pain relief and improved mobility.

Surgical treatment for FAI includes Hip arthroscopy to repair femoroacetabular impingement.