Femoral-acetabular impingement
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Your options for healing from hip impingement
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with hip impingement, your first step toward healing is to understand what it is and what you can do about it. We're here to help you every step of the way.
What is femoral-acetabular impingement?
Femoral-acetabular impingement (FAI), also known as hip impingement, is a deformity of the hip joint that limits the joint's normal range of motion. The ball and socket of the hip joint can conflict with each other, pinching the tissue in between and causing damage to the hip joint.
Though it can be caused by trauma to the hip or by the repetitive movements of certain athletic or work-related activities, FAI typically occurs from bone overgrowth in the femoral head and/or the hip joint socket.
FAI can affect athletic young adults, as early as age 15, and adults up to age 50.
What are the symptoms of femoral-acetabular impingement?
A locking, clicking or catching sensation within the hip joint
Difficulty putting on socks or shoes
Difficulty walking uphill
Lower back pain
Pain or aching in the back of the pelvis, buttocks or side of the hip (usually in the groin area), often after walking or prolonged sitting
FAI symptoms are often confused with other sources of pain, such as back pain, testicular pain or sports hernias.
How is femoral-acetabular impingement diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on your health history, symptoms and a physical examination by your doctor. Typically, an X-ray will confirm your diagnosis. Additionally, an MRI can evaluate the extent of soft tissue injury in your hip joint. A CT scan may also be used to illustrate the precise shape of your hip and to guide surgical decisions.