Hip Impingement

What is hip impingement?

Hip impingement (femoroacetabular impingement, or FAI) is caused by the presence of abnormal bone growith within the hip joint which causes damage during movement.

What are the symptoms of hip impingement?

The symptoms of hip impingement can vary, but typically include pain in the groin or hip which can worse with activities such as running or squatting, as well as stiffness in the joint.

This pain can also be accompanied by a clicking sensation in the joint when moving. 

What causes hip impingement?

Hip impingement is caused by structural abnormalities of the hip which may emerge during development, or develop later in life. Contributing factors include: 

  • Genetic factors: can influence both the shape and density of the hip bones. Abormal shape or density, including those associated with congenital dysplasias, increase the risk of impingement.
  • Trauma: traumatic injury to the hip joint, if not properly treated, can result in abnormal healing that predisposes the hip to impingement.
  • Stress: high-impact activities which place stress on the hip, i.e., those involving sharp pivoting motion, can cause abnormal bone growth and an increased risk of impingement.

What non-surgical treatments are available for hip impingement?  

Non-surgical treatment options for hip impingement focus largely on symptom management, and include: 

  • Medication: Non-steroidal anti-Inflammatory medications can be used to reduce pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered directly into the hip joint to acheive the same effect. 
  • Physical therapy: targeting improved muscle strength and joint mobility.

What surgical treatments are available for hip impingement?  

The surgical treatments available for hip impingement will vary dependent on the type of impingement and individual health factors. These include: 

  • Hip arthroscopy: suitable for cases of mild to moderate joint damage, arthroscopy allows direct access to the hip joint, via an incision, and repair or removal of damaged structures. 
  • Osteotomy: this involves cutting and realigning the bones of the hip to reduce impingement and restore function.
  • Total hip arthroplasty (total hip replacement): where damage to the hip joint is very severe, it may be neccessary to replace the component parts of the joint with prosthetic alternatives.

 

To learn more about hip arthroscopy, and what to expect from your surgery, please visit our hip arthroscopy page. 

Contact Us

For further inquiries or to arrange a consultation, please contact Professor Al Muderis’ office at +61 2 88829011 or book an appointment online.