What is Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)?
FAI is a condition where the bones of the hip are misshapen (Cam or Pincer lesions), causing them to rub against each other and damage the joint.
Condition/Condition Details
Hip Impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement)
Hip impingement, or FAI, occurs when abnormal bone growth in the hip joint causes damaging contact, leading to groin pain and stiffness.
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About Hip Impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement)
Hip impingement, or Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI), is a condition where extra bone growth on the femoral head (cam lesion) or socket rim (pincer lesion) causes abnormal, damaging contact during movement. This repeated pinching can tear the labrum and wear down cartilage, leading to sharp groin pain and stiffness. At Mountain Spine & Orthopedics, our hip preservation specialists use advanced imaging to visualize the bony issues and create a personalized plan to relieve pain and protect the joint.
What Are the Symptoms of Hip Impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement)?
Patients with hip impingement typically experience several characteristic symptoms, including:
- Sharp or aching groin pain that is triggered by deep hip flexion, such as squatting, pivoting, or prolonged sitting
- Clicking, catching, or locking sensations during movement, especially when rotating the hip
- Reduced range of motion, particularly with hip flexion and internal rotation
- Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
- Stiffness in the morning or after prolonged sitting
- Pain that may radiate to the buttock or thigh
Hip impingement, or FAI, occurs when abnormal bone growth in the hip joint causes damaging contact, leading to groin pain and stiffness.
Are There Specific Risk Factors for Hip Impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement)?
Several factors increase the risk of developing hip impingement:
- Participation in high-impact or pivoting sports during adolescence, such as soccer, hockey, or basketball
- Family history of FAI or hip problems
- Childhood hip disorders, such as hip dysplasia or Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Repetitive deep squatting or activities requiring extreme hip flexion
- Certain anatomical variations in hip shape that predispose to impingement
- Previous hip injuries or trauma
Diagnosing Hip Impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement)?
Diagnosis begins with a comprehensive physical examination, including specific tests that reproduce the impingement symptoms. X-rays are essential to measure key angles and confirm the cam or pincer morphology, revealing the bony abnormalities that cause the impingement.
We offer a complimentary MRI review, often with an arthrogram (contrast injection), to clearly show labral tears and cartilage wear that may not be visible on standard imaging. A diagnostic intra-articular anesthetic injection can also be used to confirm that the pain is originating from within the hip joint, helping differentiate FAI from other sources of groin pain.
Treatment for Hip Impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement)?
Initial care focuses on conservative measures like activity modification and targeted physical therapy referrals to strengthen hip and core muscles. When pain persists, our surgeons perform minimally invasive hip arthroscopy to reshape the bone, repair the labrum, and address cartilage defects. This procedure restores smooth joint mechanics while preserving the native joint and facilitating a rapid return to activity.
Does Hip Impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement) Cause Pain?
The pain from FAI often spikes during activities that involve deep hip flexion or athletic pivoting, then lingers as a dull ache that can persist for hours or days. The pain is typically located deep in the groin, though it may also be felt on the side of the hip or in the buttock.
Our approach addresses both the mechanical impingement (the bony conflict) and the resulting soft tissue inflammation (labral tears, cartilage damage) through integrated care that rapidly reduces pain and prevents further joint damage. Early intervention is key to preserving the hip joint and avoiding the need for joint replacement later in life.
What Can Patients Do to Prevent It?
While some anatomical factors that predispose to FAI cannot be changed, several strategies can help reduce impingement forces and protect the labrum and cartilage:
- Early recognition and treatment of hip pain, especially in young athletes
- Limiting repetitive deep flexion and pivoting activities that stress the hip
- Maintaining balanced hip and core strength through targeted exercise
- Correcting movement mechanics and addressing muscle imbalances
- Proper warm-up and stretching before athletic activities
- Seeking evaluation from a hip specialist at the first sign of symptoms
Schedule a Consultation Today
Don’t let hip pain sideline your active lifestyle. Schedule a consultation with Mountain Spine & Orthopedics for a complimentary MRI review and an expert second opinion to resolve your hip impingement and reclaim full motion.
Locations Offering Evaluation
Our board-certified specialists offer hip impingement (femoroacetabular impingement) evaluation and treatment at locations across Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hip impingement require surgery?
Not always. PT helps stabilize the hip. Arthroscopic surgery is recommended if pain persists or if the impingement is tearing the labrum.
Can hip impingement cause back pain?
Yes. Restricted hip motion often forces the lower back to compensate, leading to secondary lumbar strain and pain.
Does FAI lead to arthritis?
Yes. Untreated impingement causes repetitive damage to the cartilage and labrum, significantly increasing the risk of early osteoarthritis.
What is the recovery for hip impingement surgery?
Arthroscopy recovery takes 3 to 4 months for full return to sports. Crutches are used for 2-4 weeks to protect the repaired labrum.
