Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) is a hip pathology that involves excessive bone growth (bone spur) on either the femur (ball) or the acetabulum (cup) side of the hip joint, resulting in abnormal movement in the hip joint. When the bone growth is on the femur side, it is termed a “cam” lesion and when it is on the acetabular side it is a “pincer” lesion. This excessive bone growth causes early contact between the acetabulum and femur, resulting in impingement, or compression, between these two structures. Over time, this can result in tears of the labrum and breakdown of articular cartilage (Ayeni, 2014; Chen, 2008). The combination of bony impingement and damage to the labrum and/or cartilage results in pain, weakness, instability of the hip and osteoarthritis.
Photo credit: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
FAI is found in individuals of all ages, although younger athletes may experience pain sooner (AAOS). FAI has been found to be the result of genetics, environmental factors, and/or due to certain sporting/physical activities (Chaudhry, 2014; Packer, 2015). Movements such as squatting, pivoting and cutting are often most restricted and results in pain and instability. Physical therapy has been shown to be helpful in reducing pain and restoring activity, but in cases in which therapy has failed, surgery is typically warranted (Griffin, 2018). Many factors can impact treatment options and outcomes, including the extent of labral tear or cartilage damage, abnormal muscle firing patterns that result in poor joint movement and level of sport/activity the individual is hoping to return to.
At Berkana Rehab, our physical therapists are experts in providing a comprehensive approach to treating FAI. While completing his Sports Medicine Residency at Howard Head in Vali, CO, Dr. Matt Giordanelli, PT, DPT, ATC, SCSC, gained extensive experience in treating this disorder while working alongside Dr. Marc Philippon, MD, a pioneer in the surgical treatment of this disorder. For more information about our treatment approach call 970-797-2431.