Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

What Is Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

FAI occurs when there is abnormal contact between the femoral head and acetabulum (hip socket), leading to joint damage and pain. Over time, it can cause labral tears and contribute to hip osteoarthritis.

Types

  • Cam Impingement:
  • Bony overgrowth on the femoral head causes joint impingement.
  • Pincer Impingement:
  • Excess bone growth on the acetabulum.
  • Mixed:
  • Combination of both cam and pincer deformities.

 

Symptoms

  • Deep groin pain, especially during flexion or rotation (e.g., sitting or squatting).
  • Clicking or locking sensations in the hip.
  • Stiffness and limited range of motion.

 

Diagnosis

  • Physical Examination:
  • FADIR Test: Pain during hip flexion, adduction, and internal rotation.
  • Imaging:
  • X-rays to detect bony abnormalities.
  • MRI to assess labral tears or cartilage damage.

 

Treatment

Non-Surgical

  • Activity modification (avoiding aggravating movements).
  • NSAIDs for pain relief.
  • Physical therapy to improve hip stability and flexibility.

Surgical

  • Hip Arthroscopy:
  • Reshapes bony abnormalities and repairs labral tears.
  • Minimally invasive with a shorter recovery time.