JOINT HORIZONS Mount Stuart Hospital
St Vincent's Road Torquay
Devon
TQ1 4UP
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F: 01803 322006
Femero-acetabular Impingement (FAI)
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As result of an abnormality in the shape of the ball and socket of the hip joint, the ball (femoral head) of the hip joint grates/impinges against the socket (acetabulum). Symptoms may include restriction of movement, clicking of the hip joint or pain.
The impingement causes repeated minor damage to the cartilage lining the hip joint and to the seal around the edge of the acetabulum (labrum). This results in tears of the labrum (which can be painful) as well as cartilage damage and early hip arthritis.
What are the treatment options?
This is either non operative or operative (surgery)
Non-operative management
A less active lifestyle, possibly with injections, physiotherapy advice or rest. (Although a good physiotherapy program focusing on hip strengthening may be beneficial, the stretching associated with yoga may make the symptoms worse.)
Surgery
FAI causes tears of the labrum. These can be treated by cutting out the torn tissue. Although this often relieves the pain it may not protect from the ongoing damage due to the FAI.
For more detailed information on FAI you can download our advice sheet here (Microsoft Word - 1.7MB)
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