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Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
We offer a range of state-of-the-art treatments for hip impingement and groin pain.
About FAI
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is where the hip ball (femoral head) doesn't quite fit the joint socket (acetabulum). This can cause pain when moving, and groin pain in particular.
The condition affects young to middle-aged adults and can be caused by repeated hip movements. It's a common condition in athletes and dancers.
Need to know
There are two types of hip impingement: 'Cam' and 'Pincer'. Cam is when the head is not perfectly round and doesn't fit the joint. 'Pincer' is where the extra bone extends over the joint socket, causing the femur bone to bump into the rim of the socket.
Both conditions wear down the shock absorbing cartilage in the hip joint and the nerve-packed seal around the edge of the joint (labrum). This causes pain and makes it hard to move.
Other symptoms include:
- stiffness in the thigh, hip, or groin
- the inability to flex the hip beyond a right angle
- pain in the groin area
- pain in the hip, groin, or lower back when resting
- clicking of the hip
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms to help make a thorough diagnosis. FAI can affect people of all ages, and is often missed in 30-40-year-olds. Taking a careful history, and carrying out a thorough examination can help identify the likely cause.
Imaging, such as an MRI scan (sometimes with an arthrogram) of the hip, can help confirm the underlying diagnosis (as X-ray cannot rule out FAI). A CT scan can also be very helpful giving a 3D reconstruction of the joint. Consultants skilled in sports injury are often experts at identifying FAI.
FAI may require keyhole surgery (hip arthroscopy) to reshape the joints, but in some cases injection therapy and robust physiotherapy or osteopathy may be enough to get a person back to full activity.
An abnormally shaped femoral head or hip socket can often be sculpted and reshaped. These procedure restore smooth movement in the hip and reduce pain. If there is an associated labral tear, this is often repaired.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.