Femoroacetabular impingement: Difference between revisions

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== Femoroacetabular Impingement ==
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
[[File:Hip joint anatomy.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the hip joint showing the femur and acetabulum.]]
| name            = Femoroacetabular impingement
 
| synonyms        = FAI
'''Femoroacetabular impingement''' (FAI) is a condition involving abnormal contact between the [[femur]] and the [[acetabulum]] of the [[hip joint]]. This contact can lead to joint damage and pain, particularly during movement. FAI is a significant cause of [[hip pain]] and can lead to early [[osteoarthritis]] in the hip.
| specialty      = [[Orthopedic surgery]]
 
| symptoms        = [[Hip pain]], [[stiffness]], [[limitation of movement]]
== Anatomy and Pathophysiology ==
| complications  = [[Osteoarthritis]]
 
| onset          = Typically [[young adults]]
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the head of the femur and the acetabulum of the pelvis. In a healthy hip, the femoral head fits snugly into the acetabulum, allowing smooth and pain-free movement. In FAI, however, there is an abnormality in the shape of the femoral head, the acetabulum, or both, leading to impingement.
| duration        = Chronic
 
| causes          = Abnormal contact between the [[femur]] and [[acetabulum]]
=== Types of FAI ===
| risks          = [[Athletic activities]], [[genetic predisposition]]
 
| diagnosis      = [[Physical examination]], [[X-ray]], [[MRI]]
There are three main types of FAI:
| differential    = [[Hip dysplasia]], [[labral tear]], [[osteoarthritis]]
 
| prevention      = Avoidance of activities that exacerbate symptoms
* '''Cam impingement''': This occurs when the femoral head is not perfectly round and cannot rotate smoothly inside the acetabulum. The aspherical portion of the femoral head grinds against the cartilage inside the acetabulum.
| treatment      = [[Physical therapy]], [[arthroscopic surgery]]
 
| medication      = [[NSAIDs]]
* '''Pincer impingement''': This occurs when the acetabulum covers too much of the femoral head, leading to pinching of the labrum, the cartilage that lines the rim of the acetabulum.
| prognosis      = Variable, depending on severity and treatment
 
| frequency      = Common in [[athletes]]
* '''Combined impingement''': This is a combination of both cam and pincer types.
}}
 
'''Femoroacetabular impingement''' (FAI) is a condition involving abnormal contact between the [[femur]] and the [[acetabulum]] of the [[hip joint]], which can lead to joint damage and pain. This condition is often seen in young and active individuals and can be a precursor to [[osteoarthritis]] of the hip.
== Symptoms ==
== Types of Impingement ==
 
FAI is generally classified into three types:
The primary symptom of FAI is pain, which is often felt in the groin area, but can also occur on the outside of the hip or in the buttock. The pain is typically exacerbated by activities that involve hip flexion, such as sitting for long periods, running, or squatting. Patients may also experience stiffness and a limited range of motion in the hip.
=== Cam Impingement ===
 
[[File:X-ray_of_cam.jpg|left|thumb|X-ray showing cam impingement]]
Cam impingement occurs when the femoral head is not perfectly round and cannot rotate smoothly inside the acetabulum. This results in abnormal contact and damage to the cartilage and labrum.
=== Pincer Impingement ===
[[File:X-ray_of_pincer_impingement.jpg|left|thumb|X-ray showing pincer impingement]]
Pincer impingement is characterized by excessive coverage of the femoral head by the acetabulum. This can lead to the labrum being pinched between the acetabulum and the femoral head.
=== Combined Impingement ===
In many cases, individuals may have a combination of both cam and pincer impingement, leading to a more complex clinical presentation.
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
 
Diagnosis of FAI typically involves a combination of clinical examination and imaging studies.
[[File:Hip X-ray showing FAI.png|thumb|left|X-ray of the hip showing signs of femoroacetabular impingement.]]
=== Clinical Examination ===
 
Patients often present with hip or groin pain, especially during activities that involve hip flexion. A thorough physical examination can reveal limited range of motion and pain during specific movements.
Diagnosis of FAI is based on a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies. During the physical examination, the doctor may perform specific tests to reproduce the pain and assess the range of motion. Imaging studies, such as X-rays, [[MRI]], or [[CT scan]]s, are used to visualize the shape of the femoral head and acetabulum and to assess any damage to the cartilage or labrum.
=== Imaging Studies ===
 
==== X-rays ====
X-rays are commonly used to assess the bony structures of the hip and identify signs of FAI.
==== Center-Edge Angle ====
[[File:Center-edge_angle_of_Wiberg.jpg|left|thumb|Diagram showing the center-edge angle of Wiberg]]
The center-edge angle of Wiberg is used to assess the coverage of the femoral head by the acetabulum.
==== Crossing Sign ====
[[File:Crossing_ratio_of_the_hip.jpg|left|thumb|Diagram showing the crossing sign of the hip]]
The crossing sign is an indicator of acetabular retroversion, which can be associated with pincer impingement.
==== Alpha Angle ====
[[File:Alpha_angle_measured_in_45_degrees_Dunn_view.jpg|left|thumb|Diagram showing the alpha angle in a 45-degree Dunn view]]
The alpha angle is used to quantify the asphericity of the femoral head-neck junction, which is indicative of cam impingement.
==== Hip Offset Percentage ====
[[File:Hip_offset_percentage_measured_in_cross-lateral_view.jpg|left|thumb|Diagram showing hip offset percentage]]
The hip offset percentage is a measure used to evaluate the lateralization of the femoral head.
==== Tönnis Angle ====
[[File:Tönnis_angle_of_the_hip.jpg|left|thumb|Diagram showing the Tönnis angle of the hip]]
The Tönnis angle is used to assess the inclination of the acetabulum.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment for FAI can be conservative or surgical, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's symptoms.
Treatment for FAI can be conservative or surgical, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's symptoms.
 
=== Conservative Management ===
=== Conservative Treatment ===
Conservative treatment includes activity modification, physical therapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and improve hip function.
 
=== Surgical Intervention ===
Conservative treatment options include:
Surgical options, such as hip arthroscopy, aim to correct the bony abnormalities and repair any damage to the labrum or cartilage.
 
== See also ==
* '''Activity modification''': Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms.
* '''Physical therapy''': Exercises to improve hip strength and flexibility.
* '''Medications''': Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation.
 
=== Surgical Treatment ===
 
If conservative treatments are not effective, surgical intervention may be necessary. The most common surgical procedure for FAI is hip arthroscopy, which involves reshaping the femoral head and/or acetabulum to eliminate the impingement. In some cases, open surgery may be required.
 
== Prognosis ==
 
With appropriate treatment, many patients with FAI can return to their normal activities without pain. However, if left untreated, FAI can lead to progressive joint damage and early onset of osteoarthritis.
 
== Related Pages ==
 
* [[Hip joint]]
* [[Hip joint]]
* [[Osteoarthritis]]
* [[Osteoarthritis]]
* [[Physical therapy]]
* [[Hip arthroscopy]]
* [[Arthroscopy]]
{{Medical conditions}}
 
[[Category:Orthopedic conditions]]
[[Category:Orthopedic conditions]]
[[Category:Hip disorders]]
[[Category:Hip disorders]]

Latest revision as of 15:39, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Femoroacetabular impingement
Synonyms FAI
Pronounce N/A
Specialty Orthopedic surgery
Symptoms Hip pain, stiffness, limitation of movement
Complications Osteoarthritis
Onset Typically young adults
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Abnormal contact between the femur and acetabulum
Risks Athletic activities, genetic predisposition
Diagnosis Physical examination, X-ray, MRI
Differential diagnosis Hip dysplasia, labral tear, osteoarthritis
Prevention Avoidance of activities that exacerbate symptoms
Treatment Physical therapy, arthroscopic surgery
Medication NSAIDs
Prognosis Variable, depending on severity and treatment
Frequency Common in athletes
Deaths N/A


Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition involving abnormal contact between the femur and the acetabulum of the hip joint, which can lead to joint damage and pain. This condition is often seen in young and active individuals and can be a precursor to osteoarthritis of the hip.

Types of Impingement[edit]

FAI is generally classified into three types:

Cam Impingement[edit]

X-ray showing cam impingement

Cam impingement occurs when the femoral head is not perfectly round and cannot rotate smoothly inside the acetabulum. This results in abnormal contact and damage to the cartilage and labrum.

Pincer Impingement[edit]

X-ray showing pincer impingement

Pincer impingement is characterized by excessive coverage of the femoral head by the acetabulum. This can lead to the labrum being pinched between the acetabulum and the femoral head.

Combined Impingement[edit]

In many cases, individuals may have a combination of both cam and pincer impingement, leading to a more complex clinical presentation.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of FAI typically involves a combination of clinical examination and imaging studies.

Clinical Examination[edit]

Patients often present with hip or groin pain, especially during activities that involve hip flexion. A thorough physical examination can reveal limited range of motion and pain during specific movements.

Imaging Studies[edit]

X-rays[edit]

X-rays are commonly used to assess the bony structures of the hip and identify signs of FAI.

Center-Edge Angle[edit]

Diagram showing the center-edge angle of Wiberg

The center-edge angle of Wiberg is used to assess the coverage of the femoral head by the acetabulum.

Crossing Sign[edit]

Diagram showing the crossing sign of the hip

The crossing sign is an indicator of acetabular retroversion, which can be associated with pincer impingement.

Alpha Angle[edit]

Diagram showing the alpha angle in a 45-degree Dunn view

The alpha angle is used to quantify the asphericity of the femoral head-neck junction, which is indicative of cam impingement.

Hip Offset Percentage[edit]

Diagram showing hip offset percentage

The hip offset percentage is a measure used to evaluate the lateralization of the femoral head.

Tönnis Angle[edit]

Diagram showing the Tönnis angle of the hip

The Tönnis angle is used to assess the inclination of the acetabulum.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for FAI can be conservative or surgical, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's symptoms.

Conservative Management[edit]

Conservative treatment includes activity modification, physical therapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and improve hip function.

Surgical Intervention[edit]

Surgical options, such as hip arthroscopy, aim to correct the bony abnormalities and repair any damage to the labrum or cartilage.

See also[edit]


Medical Conditions
This medical conditions related article is a stub.
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