Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition where there is too much contact in the hip joint from bony irregularities causing pain and decreased range of hip motion. The femoral head and acetabulum knock against each other creating damage and pain to the hip joint. The damage can occur to the articular cartilage (the smooth white surface of the ball or socket) or the labrum (the lining of the edge of the socket) during normal movement of the hip. The articular cartilage or labral tissue can fray or tear after repeated impact. Over time, more cartilage and labrum is lost until eventually the hip develops osteoarthritis.
There are two types of impingement. These can occur in isolation or in combination.
CAM Impingement
The Cam form of impingement is when the femoral head and neck are not perfectly round, most commonly due to excess bone that has formed. This lack of roundness and excess bone causes abnormal contact between the surfaces.
PINCER Impingement
The Pincer form of impingement is when the socket or acetabulum rim has overgrown and is too deep. It covers too much of the femoral head resulting in the labral cartilage being pinched. The Pincer form of impingement may also be caused when the hip socket is abnormally angled backwards causing abnormal impact between the femoral head and the rim of the acetabulum.
If you have been diagnosed with this condition there are a number of possible surgical solutions. This is best discussed with your surgeon as each case is different for the individual.
