Structural
Abnormalities
Some individuals develop extra bone around the femoral head (cam impingement) or along the hip socket (pincer impingement). These abnormalities create abnormal contact within the joint.
Femoroacetabular
Impingement (FAI) Explained
Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options with
Dr. Kelechi Okoroha
What Is Femoroacetabular
Impingement (FAI)?
FAI often affects athletes and active individuals but can occur in people of all ages. Left untreated, hip impingement may contribute to progressive joint damage and increase the risk of developing hip arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve symptoms and preserve long-term hip function.
FAI often affects athletes and active individuals but can occur in people of all ages. Left untreated, hip impingement may contribute to progressive joint damage and increase the risk of developing hip arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve symptoms and preserve long-term hip function.
Watch Dr. Okoroha Explain
Femoroacetabular Impingement
In this video, Dr. Okoroha discusses:
- What causes hip impingement
- Common warning signs and symptoms
- How FAI is diagnosed
- Non-surgical treatment options
- When hip arthroscopy may be recommended
- How treatment can help patients return to sports and active lifestyles
Common Symptoms
Patients with femoroacetabular impingement may experience:
Pain in the groin or front of the hip
Difficulty squatting or bending deeply
Hip pain during sports or exercise
Pain when pivoting or changing direction
Discomfort after prolonged sitting
Reduced athletic performance
Clicking, catching, or locking sensations in the hip
Limited range of motion
Stiffness and reduced flexibility
Difficulty with daily activities such as climbing stairs or getting in and out of a car
What Causes
Femoroacetabular Impingement?
Several factors can contribute to the development of FAI:
Structural
Athletic
Activity
Sports involving repetitive hip flexion and rotation, such as football, hockey, soccer, and weightlifting, may increase stress on the hip joint.
Developmental
Factors
Certain hip conditions that occur during growth can alter hip anatomy and increase the likelihood of impingement later in life.
Repetitive
Overuse
Repeated hip motion over time can worsen existing structural abnormalities and contribute to labral or cartilage damage.
How It Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing femoroacetabular impingement begins with a comprehensive evaluation.
FAI often affects athletes and active individuals but can occur in people of all ages. Left untreated, hip impingement may contribute to progressive joint damage and increase the risk of developing hip arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve symptoms.
Imaging studies may include:
- X-rays to identify bone abnormalities
- MRI scans to evaluate labral tears and cartilage damage
- CT scans for detailed assessment of hip anatomy when needed
A thorough evaluation helps determine the severity of the condition and the most appropriate treatment approach.
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many patients experience relief through conservative treatment options, including:
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Image-guided injections
- Strengthening and mobility exercises
- Sports-specific rehabilitation
The goal of non-surgical treatment is to reduce pain, improve movement, and help patients remain active.
Surgical Treatment
When symptoms persist despite conservative care, surgery may be recommended.
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to:
- Remove excess bone causing impingement
- Repair damaged labral tissue
- Address cartilage injuries
- Restore normal hip mechanics
Most patients return to daily activities gradually through a structured rehabilitation program. Recovery timelines vary depending on the severity of the condition and the procedures performed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. Many patients improve with physical therapy, activity modification, and other non-surgical treatments. Surgery is typically considered when symptoms persist despite conservative care.
Symptoms may improve with non-surgical care even though the underlying bone shape does not change.
Early signs often include groin pain, stiffness, clicking, and discomfort with deep bending or prolonged sitting.
Many patients remain active with appropriate activity modification and guidance from their healthcare team.
Hip impingement describes abnormal contact between the hip bones, while a labral tear is damage to the cartilage rim of the socket.
Untreated symptoms may worsen and contribute to ongoing joint damage, reduced motion, and arthritis.
Recovery varies based on the procedure and patient, with a structured rehabilitation program guiding return to activity.
Yes. Hip arthroscopy uses small incisions and a camera to evaluate and treat the joint.
Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, LLC
1611 W Harrison St, Ste 300
Chicago, IL 60612 Driving Directions
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