Femoroacetabular Impingement

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is an anatomical hip condition caused by malformations on femoral head and acetabular rim resulting in abnormal contact across the joint. FAI can cause the labral, cartilaginous, and tissue damage that leads to early osteoarthritis. FAI can be divided into three groups: cam (bump on femoral head- neck junction), pincer (acetabular over coverage), or mixed (most common) by the characteristic morphological changes of the bony structures. The exact ethology of FAI is still unclear, mostly considered as idiopathic. Cam lesions demonstrate a near 3:1 male predominance and are more often seen in the younger population. Pincer is typically seen in middle-aged women. A plain radiography of the pelvis and hips is considered as the primary imaging modality for diagnosing FAI, which can be used to quantify the severity. MRI and direct MRI arthrography allow assessment of concomitant labral and chondral injuries. Conservative treatment is typically considered first-line treatment for mild to moderate FAI syndrome, but usually not to successful. However, the outcomes following postoperative surgical intervention have demonstrated excellent results. The most common surgical treatment option for FAI is done arthroscopically, other procedures such as a reverse periacetabular osteotomy or surgical dislocation of the hip are rarely indicated. Keywords: Femoroacetabular impingement; cam, pincer; hip arthroscopy