Hip Impingement (FAI) Treatment Options

This may include rest, activity modification, physical therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation. A corticosteroid injection into the hip joint can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. In some cases, using crutches, a cane, or other assistive devices can help alleviate symptoms by reducing weight-bearing on the affected hip. Excess weight can put additional strain on the hip joint, exacerbating symptoms of FAI. Losing weight can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall hip function. The choice to use nonsurgical treatments depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause of the impingement.

This minimally invasive surgery is used to treat femoroacetabular impingement. Using small incisions and specialized instrument, your LALL Orthopedics ⁺ Orthopedic surgeon will reshape the bones of the hip joint, remove any bone spurs, and repair any damage to the hip cartilage or labrum. After surgery, patients will use crutches or a walker during healing. Physical therapy is important to recovery and improving hip range of motion, strength and flexibility. This may be recommended for patients with symptomatic FAI who have not responded to conservative treatment.

Recent studies report that hip arthroscopic surgery for hip impingement provides durable outcomes with low revision rates using an approach that involves labral preservation when possible.

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a procedure that may be used to treat FAI when there is a structural abnormality of the hip joint that cannot be corrected with arthroscopic surgery. It involves repositioning the acetabulum (the cup-shaped part of the hip joint) to better cover the femoral head (the ball-shaped part of the hip joint).

PAO is typically recommended for younger patients with hip dysplasia or other structural abnormalities in the hip joint that are causing FAI. It may not be appropriate for older patients or those with advanced arthritis. It may be performed with hip arthroscopy.

Hip arthroscopy with PAO may be the most effective way to address the underlying causes of FAI and alleviate its symptoms. Physical therapy is important to recovery and improving hip range of motion, strength and flexibility.

This is a surgical procedure that involves removing the damaged surface of the hip joint and replacing it with a metal implant. It may be recommended for younger patients with FAI who desire to maintain a high level of activity after surgery and recovery.

Hip resurfacing is generally considered a good option for patients with FAI who have good bone quality and minimal arthritis. It may also be considered for patients who have failed other treatments, such as physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and corticosteroid injections.

Candidates for hip resurfacing should have a good range of motion and adequate muscle strength around the hip joint. Patients with severe arthritis or bone deformities may not be good candidates for hip resurfacing and may require a different type of hip replacement surgery.

Hip resurfacing is associated with a shorter recovery time than traditional hip replacement surgery and may allow patients to return to full activities more quickly.