Femoroacetabular impingement

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition in which there is abnormal friction between the hip bones, specifically between the femoral head and the acetabulum. This can cause damage to the hip joint and lead to pain, weakness, and limited movement. There are two types of femoroacetabular impingement: cam type and pincer type. Cam type refers to a deformity of the femoral neck due to impingement with the acetabulum, while pincer type refers to an acetabulum that is abnormally deep or that excessively covers the femoral head.

Origins of Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
The causes of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) can be congenital or acquired.

• Congenital causes: FAI can be caused by a congenital malformation of the femoral head or acetabulum, which may have developed abnormally during pregnancy.
• Acquired causes: FAI can also be caused by joint wear and tear on the femoral head or acetabulum due to repetitive trauma, such as that occurring in contact sports or jobs that require repetitive hip movements. It can also be caused by joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.
• Being overweight or obese, poor posture, physical activities that involve repetitive movements, or excessive wear and tear on the hip can contribute to the development of femoroacetabular impingement.

Diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
The diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is based on a combination of a physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests.

• Medical History: The doctor may ask about your symptoms, injury history, and medical history to help establish a diagnosis.
• Physical Examination: The doctor may perform a physical examination to assess your hip's range of motion, detect tenderness, and evaluate muscle strength.
• Specific Tests: The doctor may perform specific tests to assess hip mobility and determine if you have femoroacetabular impingement.
• Imaging Tests: These tests can be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the injury. These tests may include X-rays, MRIs, computed tomography (CT) scans, and ultrasounds.

It is important to note that diagnosing femoroacetabular impingement is difficult because symptoms can mimic other hip or spine problems. An accurate diagnosis is important to determine the appropriate treatment.

Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
Treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) may include a combination of conservative therapies and surgery.

• Conservative Therapies:
• Rest and Activity Change: Cessation or change in the activity that causes pain should be one of the initial measures when diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement.
• Medications: These may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Strengthening Exercises: Exercises to strengthen the hip muscles can help reduce pressure on the hip joint and improve mobility.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help reduce pain and improve hip mobility.
• Ultrasound-Guided Injections: Ultrasound-guided injections of corticosteroids can reduce pain and inflammation. If osteoarthritis exists in the joint, ultrasound-guided injections of hyaluronic acid or platelet growth factors may be helpful to reduce pain and improve function.
• Surgery:If conservative treatment is not effective, surgery may be necessary to correct the hip anatomy and reduce pressure on the joint. Surgery may include hip arthroscopy to repair or remove excess bone or cartilage causing the impingement.

It's important to note that treatment may vary depending on the degree of the injury and the patient's preferences. It's important to work with an orthopedic and trauma specialist to determine the appropriate treatment.

Make an appointment with Dr. Jordi Jiménez. He will see you in the center of Palma and help you regain your quality of life.