Femoral acetabular impingement (FAI)

Question 1

What is it

Answer 1

Abnormal contact between the femoral head and acetabulum.

leads to damage in the hip joint - labrum & articular cartilage. Can lead to abnormal bone growth, causing friction and joint degeneration.

Question 2

Features

Answer 2

Hip pain - common in groin region - worse with activity or prolonged sitting
Reduced ROM
Catching or clicking sensation
Weakness
Pain after long sitting

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

Common - young and active - athletes
More prevalent in males but affects both genders
Sport involvement - kick boxing, MMA, football, dance

Question 4

Age

Answer 4

Young to middle age adults - 20 to 50
Adolescents- high impact or rotational sports

Question 5

Risk

Answer 5

Abnormal hip anatomy - cam, pincer or mixed impingement
Sports - repeated hip flexion & rotation
Previous hip trauma

Question 6

Presentation

Answer 6

Groin pain - often described as deep and dull
Decreased ROM
Clicking, locking, catching sensation
Pain with prolonged activity
Radiating pain - thigh or buttock

Question 7

Prognosis

Answer 7

Good - physical therapy, activity modification, anti inflammatory meds
Surgery
Can lead to early onset osteoarthritis