Femoroacetabular Impingement: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr NVS Vinay , Orthopedics

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a hip joint condition in which abnormal contact between the femoral head and the hip socket damages the cartilage and labrum. It commonly causes hip pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and discomfort during physical activity. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help relieve symptoms, preserve hip function, and reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.

What are the Types of Femoroacetabular Impingement?

Femoroacetabular Impingement is classified based on the location and pattern of abnormal bone growth affecting the hip joint.

Cam Impingement: An irregularly shaped femoral head causes abnormal contact with the acetabulum.
Pincer Impingement: Excess bone extends over the rim of the acetabulum, compressing the femoral head.
Combined Impingement: Features of both cam and pincer impingement are present, which is the most common type.

What are the Symptoms of Femoroacetabular Impingement?

The symptoms of Femoroacetabular Impingement often develop gradually and may worsen with activity or prolonged sitting.

Deep pain in the groin pain or front of the hip.
Hip pain during or after physical activity.
Stiffness in the hip joint.
Reduced range of motion.
Pain while squatting, twisting, or sitting for long periods.
Clicking, catching, or locking sensation in the hip.
Difficulty participating in sports or exercise.
Limping in more advanced cases.

What are the Causes of Femoroacetabular Impingement?

The etiology of FAI is multifactorial and can involve both genetic and environmental factors. Some of the common causes include:

Congenital Abnormalities: Some individuals are born with structural abnormalities in the hip joint that predispose them to FAI.
Repetitive Movements: Athletes and individuals engaged in activities that involve repeated hip flexion and rotation, such as soccer or hockey, are at increased risk of developing FAI due to continuous stress on the hip joint.
Previous Hip Injuries: Past trauma or injuries to the hip joint can lead to changes in the anatomy, increasing the likelihood of impingement.
Growth Abnormalities: Abnormal bone growth during adolescence can result in a femoral head that is not perfectly round, contributing to cam impingement.

When to See a Doctor for Femoroacetabular Impingement?

Persistent hip or groin pain, stiffness, or difficulty performing daily activities or sports should be evaluated by an orthopedic. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further joint damage and reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

You should see a doctor if you have:

Ongoing groin or hip pain during movement.
Limited hip range of motion.
Clicking, catching, or locking sensations in the hip.
Difficulty walking, exercising, or climbing stairs.

Get medical help immediately if:

Sudden severe hip pain after an injury.
Inability to bear weight on the affected leg.
Hip deformity or significant swelling following trauma.
Severe pain accompanied by fever or signs of joint infection.

These could be signs of a serious complication like Femoroacetabular Impingement, which needs urgent care.

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How is Femoroacetabular Impingement Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a detailed clinical evaluation along with imaging studies to assess hip anatomy and identify damage to the joint structures.

Medical history and physical examination.
Hip impingement tests performed during examination.
X-rays to identify bone abnormalities.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate cartilage and labral damage.
MR arthrography for detailed assessment of the labrum.
CT scan for precise evaluation of hip bone structure when needed.

What are the Treatment Options of Femoroacetabular Impingement?

Treatment for FAI aims to alleviate symptoms, improve hip function, and prevent further joint damage. The approach can range from conservative management to surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the condition.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Physical Therapy: Focuses on strengthening the muscles around the hip, improving flexibility, and reducing stress on the joint.
Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.
Lifestyle Modifications: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms and incorporating exercises that do not stress the hip joint.

Surgical Options

When conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms, surgery may be recommended. The primary surgical procedures for FAI include:

Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure that involves reshaping the femoral head or acetabulum to prevent impingement.
Open Surgery: In more severe cases, open surgery may be necessary to correct the hip's anatomy and repair any damage to the labrum or cartilage.

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