Femoroacetabular Impingement

The hip joint is made up of the femur and pelvic bone. The rounded head of the femur articulates with the cup-shaped socket of the acetabulum (a part of the pelvic bone) to form the ball and socket joint of the hip. Smooth, friction-free movement of the hip bones is facilitated by cartilage tissue that lines the articular surfaces of the femur and acetabulum. The joint is further stabilized by the labrum, a ring of tissue that lines the acetabulum.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a hip condition characterized by an abnormal shape in the hip bones. FAI can be of three types:

• Cam Impingement:  An out of round or abnormal bump on the femoral head or neck. When the hip is bent, the misshapen ball can rub against the acetabulum (socket) causing impingement.
• Pincer Impingement: Extra bone growth on the rim of the acetabulum (socket). During activities, the extra bone of the acetabulum can rub against the femur causing impingement.
• Combined Cam and Pincer Impingement: Bone outgrowth on both the femur and acetabulum causes excessive rubbing.

Over time, FAI can damage the labrum and cartilage, leading to osteoarthritis of the hip joint.