INTRODUCTION​

• Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) is a hip condition characterized by a hip bone that bumps against the hip socket

• There are three types

  • Cam: Out of read hip bone bumping against socket

  • Pincer: Overconstrained socket bumping against the hip bone

  • Combined: A combination of cam and pincer impingement

• This impingement can lead to labral tears, bony cysts, cartilage tears, and bony edema

• Fun fact: Isaiah Thomas the NBA player suffered from FAI and had to undergo surgery to return to play

• 80% of FAI is the combined type, consisting of both cam and pincer elements

CAUSES

• FAI is caused by repetitive bumping of the hip bone (proximal femur) on the socket (acetabulum)

• While the exact cause is unknown, there may be a genetic component to this condition

• Common in active young adults participating in sports, but can occur in any patient regardless of activity level

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Pain in the front of the hip/groin area, worse with hip flexion

• Pain is usually worse after activity but can also be present at rest

TREATMENT​​

• Treatment of FAI is centered around a physical therapy and home exercise program focused on stabilization of the muscles around the hip and avoiding positions of impingement

• Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen are oftentimes helpful as an adjunct to other treatments

• Surgery is indicated in patients who fail conservative management and consists of arthroscopic debridement of the bony growth and either labral repair or debridement

        PREVENTION

• The best way to prevent this condition is to avoid repetitive activities that cause hip impingement