What is Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)?

Biomechanical Mechanisms of FAI

Femoroacetabular impingement arises from subtle anatomical osseous deformities around the hip joint. Cam lesions refer to non-spherical femoral head morphology, while pincer lesions describe acetabular over-coverage. Repetitive deep hip flexion causes premature abutment, shearing the acetabular labrum and delaminating articular cartilage.

Clinical Significance in Joint Preservation

FAI is recognized as the leading predisposing mechanical factor for premature hip osteoarthritis in young, active adults. Timely diagnosis allows joint preservation surgery before irreversible chondral damage ensues.

Primary Symptoms

• Sharp groin pain aggravated by deep flexion, squatting, or prolonged sitting (C-sign)
• Catching, locking, or clicking sensations deep inside the hip joint
• Stiffness and loss of internal hip rotation
• Buttock or trochanteric pain during athletic exertion

Frequently Asked Questions

How is FAI surgically treated?

Hip arthroscopy is the gold standard, allowing minimally invasive labral refixation and precise osteochondroplasty to restore spherical hip geometry.

What is the typical return-to-sport timeline?

Following structured rehabilitative milestones, most athletes resume unrestricted sports activities within 4 to 6 months.