Femoroacetabular impingement is a condition where the bones in your hip joint don’t fit together perfectly. This can happen if the ball-shaped head of your thigh bone (the femoral head) or your hip socket (the acetabulum) has an irregular shape. Because of this improper fit, the bones can rub against each other during movement, leading to pain and damage to the joint over time.
There are three types of FAI:
- Pincer: In this type, extra bone extends out over the normal rim of the acetabulum. This can cause the labrum, a ring of cartilage that lines the hip socket, to be crushed.
- Cam: With a cam impingement, the femoral head is not perfectly round. This prevents it from rotating smoothly inside the acetabulum, causing a bump on the edge of the femoral head to grind against the cartilage inside the joint.
- Combined: As the name suggests, this type of impingement is a combination of both pincer and cam types.
Common Symptoms and Causes
While some people may have FAI and never experience symptoms, for others, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable and painful issues. The most common symptoms include:
- Pain in the groin area, which may also be felt toward the outside of the hip.
- Stiffness in the hip joint.
- A clicking, locking, or catching sensation during movement.
- Limping.
- Difficulty with activities such as walking uphill, squatting, or twisting.
The pain associated with FAI can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation. It may worsen with prolonged sitting, standing, or physical activity.
FAI is often caused by the hip bones not forming correctly during childhood. This can be due to a variety of factors, including genetics and overuse from high-impact sports during adolescence. While there is little that can be done to prevent FAI from developing, seeking treatment when symptoms arise is crucial to prevent further damage to the hip joint.
Common Risk Factors
While the exact cause of FAI is not always clear, there are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing the condition. These include:
- Age and gender: FAI is most commonly diagnosed in active adults between the ages of 20 and 45. While it can affect both men and women, the cam type of impingement is more common in men, while the pincer type is more frequently seen in women.
- Congenital hip deformities: Some people are born with abnormalities in their hip joint that can lead to FAI.
- Irregular bone growth during childhood: Overuse from high-impact sports during the years when bones are still developing can contribute to the formation of FAI.
- Previous hip injuries or conditions: A history of hip injuries or conditions such as slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) or Perthes disease can increase the risk of FAI.
Diagnosis and When to See a Doctor
If you are experiencing persistent hip or groin pain, it’s important to see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our specialists will begin by discussing your medical history and symptoms. A physical examination, including an impingement test, will be performed to assess your hip’s range of motion and identify any pain points.
To confirm a diagnosis of FAI, your doctor may order imaging tests such as:
- X-rays: To visualize the bones and identify any abnormalities in their shape.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): To get a more detailed look at the soft tissues of the hip, including the labrum and cartilage.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: To provide a more detailed view of the bones and help plan for any potential surgical interventions.
Treatment Options
The goal of FAI treatment is to relieve pain, improve function, and prevent further damage to the hip joint. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we offer a range of treatment options, from conservative, non-surgical approaches to advanced surgical procedures.
Nonsurgical Treatment For many patients, nonsurgical treatments are effective in managing the symptoms of FAI. These may include:
- Activity modification: Avoiding activities that cause pain and making adjustments to your daily routine can help reduce stress on the hip joint.
- Physical therapy: A customized exercise program can help strengthen the muscles around the hip, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
- Medications: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection directly into the hip joint to provide more significant relief.
Surgical Treatment If nonsurgical treatments do not provide adequate relief, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct the underlying abnormalities in the hip joint. The most common surgical procedure for FAI is hip arthroscopy, a minimally invasive technique that uses small incisions and a camera to view and repair the joint. During the procedure, your surgeon can reshape the bones, repair any damage to the labrum or cartilage, and restore normal function to the hip.
Your Partner in Hip Health
At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we understand that hip pain can have a significant impact on your life. Our team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons and specialists is committed to providing personalized, compassionate care to help you overcome the challenges of FAI. We proudly serve the San Francisco Bay Area and are dedicated to helping our patients return to a healthy, active lifestyle.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a pain-free life, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our hip specialists today.
