

Femoracetabular Impingement


Hip impingement, sometimes called femoracetabular impingement or FAI, refers to abnormal contact and friction between the bones in the hip joint, usually caused by an imperfect fit between the head of the femur (the ball) and acetabulum (the socket). As a result, the labrum that surrounds and stabilizes the joint is pinched as the bones rub together, causing significant pain. The nature and extent of the impingement can vary depending on what part of the joint is out of place and which surrounding tissues are affected.


What does hip impingement feel like?

The primary symptom of hip impingement is a deep pain in the groin that can extend into the lower back or outer hip. Some patients describe the pain as being concentrated in a “C” shape around the hip. The pain often presents as a dull ache, but can turn into a sharp, stabbing pain during physical activity and as the condition worsens.

If left untreated, the labrum will gradually tear and increase contact between the bones, resulting in stiffness, weakness, and inflammation in surrounding tissues. In some cases, the dislocated joint will place pressure on surrounding ligaments and tissues, which will, in turn, create friction with the bursa sac on the outside of your hip. The irritated bursa sac can then become inflamed or torn, resulting in intense pain.


An orthopedic specialist can diagnose hip femoroacetabular impingement with a physical exam, during which the specialist will recreate the symptoms of the condition by bending the knee to the chest and rotating the thigh inward. The test should result in a pinching of the labrum, providing your specialist with a better understanding of the extent of the damage. Your specialist will then take an X-ray to determine the extent to which the shape of the bone is causing the impingement, as well as an MRI to identify damage to the labrum. Should arthroscopic surgery be necessary, your specialist might also order a CT scan to better map the shape of the bones before operating.


Cam Hip Impingement

A cam hip impingement arises when the head of the femur isn’t sufficiently rounded to fit within the acetabulum and labrum seal, creating friction at the end of the socket whenever the thigh or hip joint move. Because of the malformation, bone spurs will grow on the unrounded end of the femur, striking the labrum and grinding the articular cartilage inside the joint whenever the thigh is rotated.

Pincer Hip Impingement

A pincer hip impingement occurs when the rim of the acetabulum hangs over the head of the femur, crushing the labrum in the process. Instead of sealing the ball into the socket, the labrum is pinched down towards the neck of the femur.

Mixed Hip Impingement

This type of hip femoroacetabular impingement is a combination of both Cam-type and Pincer-type hip femoroacetabular impingement.

FAI develops early and may go unnoticed throughout your life. It usually affects both hip joints and may happen in combination.


While hip impingement can be debilitating, it isn’t untreatable. With some combination of physical therapy, anti-inflammatory injections, and, if necessary, reconstructive surgery, you can expect a full recovery.

If you are in pain from hip impingement there are many treatment options available that can get you back on track in no time.



Our Specialists are here to help.


Find out about possible treatment options here

Doctors Seeing Patients for Hip Conditions:


Book an appointment

Our Locations