A surgeon discussing Hip Impingement Surgery options with a patient in Florida
Treatment/Treatment Details

Hip Impingement Surgery

Hip impingement surgery reshapes abnormal bone to correct FAI, preserving the hip joint and relieving pain from impingement.

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Correcting Structural Hip Impingement

Hip Impingement Surgery is performed to correct Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI), a condition where abnormal bone growth causes damaging contact in the hip joint. This procedure reshapes the bone to eliminate impingement and preserve the joint.

The surgery can be performed through minimally invasive hip arthroscopy or open surgery, depending on the extent of the impingement and associated damage. During the procedure, abnormal bone (CAM lesions on the femoral head or Pincer lesions on the socket rim) is reshaped to restore smooth joint mechanics.

At Mountain Spine & Orthopedics, our hip preservation specialists use advanced techniques to correct impingement while addressing associated labral tears and cartilage damage. The goal is to preserve the native hip joint, relieve pain, and prevent the development of hip arthritis.

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Who Needs Hip Impingement Surgery?

  • Patients with hip impingement (FAI) confirmed by imaging
  • Active individuals with persistent groin pain despite conservative treatment
  • Athletes with pain during pivoting, cutting, or deep squatting
  • Those with associated labral tears requiring repair
  • Young, active patients without significant arthritis
  • Individuals who have failed physical therapy and injections
  • Patients whose impingement is causing progressive joint damage

What Conditions does Hip Impingement Surgery Help Ease?

This procedure may help with:

Trochanteric BursitisHip DysplasiaHip Impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement)Snapping Hip SyndromeHip PainHip Arthritis
Surgical correction of hip impingement through bone reshaping

The Impingement Correction Process

  1. For arthroscopic approach: Small incisions are made and the joint is accessed with a camera
  2. For open approach: A larger incision provides direct access to the hip
  3. Abnormal bone (CAM or Pincer lesions) is identified and reshaped using specialized instruments
  4. Any associated labral tears are repaired or reconstructed
  5. Cartilage damage is addressed if present
  6. The hip is moved dynamically to ensure impingement is resolved
  7. The incisions are closed and rehabilitation begins

Benefits of Hip Impingement Surgery

  • Corrects the structural cause of hip impingement
  • Preserves the natural hip joint
  • Relieves groin pain and mechanical symptoms
  • Prevents progression to hip arthritis
  • Allows return to high-level athletic activities
  • Minimally invasive approach when possible

Recovery After Impingement Surgery

Recovery Timeline: 3-6 Months for Full Return to Sports

Recovery from hip impingement surgery depends on whether arthroscopic or open surgery was performed, with arthroscopic typically allowing faster recovery.

Phase 1 (Weeks 1-4): Protected weight-bearing with crutches, gentle range of motion exercises, and protection of any labral repair. Stationary biking may be allowed to maintain mobility.

Phase 2 (Weeks 4-8): Progressive weight-bearing, restoration of normal gait, and initiation of strengthening exercises focusing on hip stabilizers and core.

Phase 3 (Weeks 8-12): Advanced strengthening, sport-specific exercise initiation, and return to straight-line running when strength milestones are met.

Phase 4 (Months 3-6): Progressive sport-specific training, cutting and pivoting activities, with full return to sports typically at 4-6 months based on functional testing.

Related Hip Treatments

Explore other hip treatment options:

Total Hip Replacement SurgeryHip Arthroscopy TreatmentHip Labral Repair SurgeryHip Resurfacing SurgeryHip Fracture SurgeryRevision Hip Replacement SurgeryCore Decompression for Avascular NecrosisHip Bursectomy Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hip impingement surgery?

Hip impingement surgery (FAI surgery) arthroscopically reshapes bone abnormalities causing femoroacetabular impingement. The surgeon trims the femoral head-neck junction (cam lesion) and/or acetabular rim (pincer lesion), then repairs any associated labral tears.

Who needs hip impingement surgery?

Candidates include patients with symptomatic FAI causing groin pain, clicking, or limited motion that failed 3-6 months of conservative treatment. X-rays or CT show cam/pincer morphology. Ideal candidates are younger, active individuals without significant arthritis.

What is the recovery time for hip impingement surgery?

Recovery takes 4 to 6 months for return to sports. Patients use crutches for 2-3 weeks. Physical therapy begins immediately focusing on motion, then progressive strengthening. Full return to impact activities and sports requires 6-9 months.

What are the results of hip impingement surgery?

Studies show 70-85% good to excellent results with reduced pain and improved function in properly selected patients. Factors predicting success include younger age, absence of arthritis, normal BMI, and addressing both bone and labral pathology.

Can hip impingement come back after surgery?

Recurrence is uncommon when bone is adequately resected. However, residual impingement, new labral tears, or progression to arthritis can cause persistent symptoms. Some patients require revision surgery (5-10%) or eventually progress to hip replacement if arthritis develops.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Persistent hip impingement pain? Our hip preservation specialists offer advanced surgical correction. Schedule a consultation with Mountain Spine & Orthopedics today. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.

Locations Offering Evaluation

Our board-certified specialists offer hip impingement surgery evaluation and treatment at locations across Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.

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