What You Should Know About Femoroacetabular Impingement

Hip pain isn’t always the result of arthritis or a sports injury. In some cases, the problem stems from the way the bones of the hip joint fit together. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common condition that develops when extra bone growth causes abnormal contact between the ball and socket of the hip joint.

At Hansel E. Ihn, MD, in Rancho Mirage and La Quinta, California, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ihn provides comprehensive care for a full scope of hip problems, including femoroacetabular impingement. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and protect your hip joint from long-term damage.

What is femoroacetabular impingement?

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) occurs when the femoral head (the ball portion of the hip joint) and the acetabulum (the socket) don’t move smoothly against one another. Instead, extra bone growth creates friction within the joint.

Over time, this abnormal contact can damage the cartilage and labrum tissues that cushion and stabilize the hip. As the damage progresses, you may experience increasing pain and stiffness. There are three primary types of FAI:

• Cam impingement, where extra bone develops on the femoral head
• Pincer impingement, where excess bone forms around the socket rim
• Combined impingement, or cam and pincer impingement together

Many patients develop FAI symptoms gradually over several years.

Femoroacetabular impingement symptoms

The most common symptom of FAI is pain in the front of the hip or groin area. Some patients also experience discomfort in the outer hip, buttocks, or lower back. Additional symptoms may include:

• Hip joint stiffness
• Reduced range of motion
• Clicking, catching, or locking sensations
• Pain during prolonged sitting
• Discomfort while squatting, twisting, running, or climbing stairs

Athletes who participate in sports that require frequent hip rotation, such as soccer, hockey, dance, or golf, often notice symptoms earlier because of the increased demands placed on the joint.

Common causes of femoroacetabular impingement

FAI usually develops because of abnormalities in hip bone growth during adolescence. Researchers don’t fully understand why these changes occur, but genetics and repetitive stress during growth years may contribute.

Not everyone with FAI experiences symptoms. Some people have bone changes visible on imaging studies but never develop pain or mobility problems. When symptoms do occur, they often worsen gradually as repetitive movement continues to irritate the joint.

Evaluation for femoroacetabular impingement

To diagnose FAI, Dr. Ihn begins with a detailed evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. Certain hip movements can help identify the location and source of pain. Imaging studies play an important role in confirming the diagnosis. These may include:

• X-rays to evaluate bone shape and alignment
• MRI scans to assess cartilage and labral damage
• CT scans in more complex cases

A complete and accurate diagnosis helps guide Dr. Ihn’s treatment approach.

Femoroacetabular impingement treatment options

Many patients improve with conservative care. Treating FAI early may help reduce pain, improve function, and lower the risk of developing hip arthritis later in life. Dr. Ihn may recommend:

• Activity modification, or avoiding movements that cause pain
• Physical therapy, or targeted exercises to improve hip strength and mobility
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to calm inflammation

When symptoms persist despite non-surgical care, surgery may be considered. Hip arthroscopy allows Dr. Ihn to reshape abnormal bone, repair damaged tissue, and improve joint mechanics through minimally invasive techniques.

If hip pain or limited mobility is interfering with your daily activities, we can help. Contact Hansel E. Ihn, MD, in Rancho Mirage or La Quinta, California, to schedule an evaluation and learn whether femoroacetabular impingement may be the cause.