What is FAI (Femoral Acetabular Impingement)?
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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answered:Femoroacetabular impingement is a hip condition in which the femoral head (the rounded ball at the end of the upper femur or thighbone), the acetabulum (the socket of your hip joint), or both are shaped somewhat abnormally.
Femoroacetabular impingement is a hip condition in which the femoral head (the rounded ball at the end of the upper femur or thighbone), the acetabulum (the socket of your hip joint), or both are shaped somewhat abnormally. More -
Dr. Hugh S. West of Intermountain Healthcare answered:Femoral Acetabular Impingement (sometimes spelled “femoroacetabular impingement”) is a mechanical mismatch between the “ball” and the “socket” of the hip. The first type of impingement is known as a ‘Cam’ deformity, or extra bony growth on the surface of the femoral head. The second is a ‘Pincer’ deformity, which describes an overdeep Acetabulum (socket) that restricts the movement of the femoral head.
FAI has only recently become a recognized diagnosis, and many doctors miss or misdiagnose it. It is thought to be a precursor to hip osteoarthritis, and it can be quite limiting and painful. The pain appears in the front of the hip or groin area.
FAI can affect young teens and middle aged active adults. The pain can be relieved with inactivity and rest, only to flare up again when a patient returns to activity. There are treatment options (hip arthroscopy, followed by an intense physical therapy program) that are proving successful in returning people to their active lifestyles.
Femoral Acetabular Impingement (sometimes spelled “femoroacetabular impingement”) is a mechanical mismatch between the “ball” and the “socket” of the hip. The first type of impingement is known as a... More -
Dr. Scott Martin answered:Doctors have discovered that the labrum of the hip is susceptible to damage when an irregularity or bump on the ball at the top of the femur or the edge of the acetabulum wears away at the labrum, causing damage.
Pain, inflammation, and disability can result. This condition, known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), has temporarily disabled even young, professional athletes. It is thought to contribute to early arthritis in young athletes.
While the causes of the irregularity are not clear—it may be congenital or caused by some injury—surgical repair can restore the labrum and remove the irregular lumps on the ball or in the socket of the joint to help the ball-and-socket joint function more smoothly.Doctors have discovered that the labrum of the hip is susceptible to damage when an irregularity or bump on the ball at the top of the femur or the edge of the acetabulum wears away at the labrum, causing damage. Pain, inflammation, and... More
