Femoroacetabular impingement
Known as FAI or hip impingement, this condition relates to a mechanical pinching or compression at the rim of the hip socket (acetabulum) and ball (femoral head). The presence of extra boney growth at the rim of the hip socket or ball makes the pinching more prevalent in people playing sports involving running, twisting, bending and changes of direction.
Pain is usually felt at the front of the hip and groin, and sometimes at the outer hip or buttock. Compensatory pain is common is the lower back and sacroiliac joint.
Diagnosis requires
- pain associated with the above mentioned activities,
- positive impingement testing on examination, and
- radiological evidence of the extra boney growth.
A variety of individual and environmental factors are involved in the development of FAI, and consensus currently supports extensive conservative rehabilitation and treatment before considering surgery. In particular modifying aggravating activities and retraining unhelpful biomechanics around the hip and pelvis are essential in persistent cases.