Specialized Toolkit Series: Arthroscopic Hip Treatments-Patient Guide to FAI

Pdf Summary

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) Syndrome is a condition affecting the hip joint, where abnormal shapes of the femoral head (ball) or acetabulum (socket) lead to pathological contact and friction during motion, particularly deep flexion. There are two types of FAI: cam impingement, where an out-of-round femoral head or a bump on the neck impinges within the acetabulum, and pincer impingement, characterized by an overhang of the acetabular rim causing over-coverage of the femoral head. Both types result in pain and potential damage to the hip joint's cartilage and labrum during activities like flexion, pivoting, squats, and prolonged sitting.<br /><br />FAI can have genetic or developmental risk factors, and it often affects people involved in activities with repetitive hip movements. Symptoms include activity-related hip or groin pain, loss of motion, and worsening pain over time. Diagnosis involves a combination of patient history, physical examination findings, and imaging like X-rays, MRI, and CT scans to identify the cam or pincer deformities and assess the condition of the labrum and cartilage.<br /><br />Conservative treatment aims to return the hip to a pre-symptomatic state, primarily through rest, avoiding inciting activities, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and possibly receiving cortisone injections. Physical therapy is crucial for building strength, improving mechanics, and stabilizing gait. Most FAI cases improve without surgery.<br /><br />When conservative treatments fail, surgical intervention may be necessary, involving hip arthroscopy to reshape the joint and repair the labrum. This is typically an out-patient procedure with a recovery period involving partial weight-bearing and post-operative physical therapy, spanning four to six months. The key to managing FAI is reducing inflammation and optimizing pelvic mechanics, with surgery being a last resort.

Asset Caption

F. Winston Gwathmey Jr., M.D.

Keywords

Femoroacetabular Impingement

hip joint

cam impingement

pincer impingement

hip pain

cartilage damage

physical therapy

hip arthroscopy

surgical intervention

pelvic mechanics