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Painful Hip Joint? Limited Range Of Motion? You Might Have FAI!

Greg Spooner

What Is Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)?

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition that affects the hip joint. It occurs when there is abnormal contact between the femoral head (the ball-shaped top of the thigh bone) and the acetabulum (the socket of the hip joint). This contact can cause pain, limited range of motion, and damage to the hip joint over time.

FAI typically develops due to structural abnormalities in the hip joint. There are three main types of FAI:

  1. Cam impingement: This type occurs when there is an abnormality in the shape of the femoral head. It may have a non-spherical shape or an excess bone growth on the front portion of the femoral head. When the hip is flexed or rotated, the abnormal shape can lead to impingement with the rim of the acetabulum.

  2. Pincer impingement: Pincer impingement happens when there is an overcoverage of the acetabulum, meaning the socket extends too far over the femoral head. This can result in excessive contact and friction between the two bones during hip movements.

  3. Combined impingement: Combined impingement refers to a combination of both cam and pincer abnormalities, where there is both an abnormal femoral head shape and an acetabular overcoverage.

FAI can occur in people of all ages, including adolescents and young adults. It is often seen in athletes involved in sports that require repetitive hip movements, such as football, soccer, ballet, or hockey. Symptoms of FAI may include hip pain, groin pain, stiffness, clicking or catching sensations, and limited hip mobility.

If left untreated, FAI can lead to labral tears (damage to the cartilage that lines the socket), early hip osteoarthritis, and chronic hip pain. Treatment options for FAI may include conservative measures like rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and activity modifications. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the structural abnormalities and relieve symptoms.

If you suspect you have FAI or are experiencing hip pain, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic specialist or a sports medicine physician, for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.