Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition where the bones of the hip are abnormally shaped. FAI occurs because the hip bones do not form normally during the childhood growing years. Because the hip bones do not fit together perfectly, they rub against each other and lead to joint damage and pain.

Hip pain was previously thought to be a problem primarily affecting individuals age 50 and over. But with the growing awareness of FAI, we’re discovering that hip pain is being experienced much earlier in active teens and younger adults. However, it is important to remember that exercise does not cause FAI, it is the hip bones not forming normally during the childhood years. Because young active people may work the hip joint more vigorously, they may begin to experience pain earlier than those who are less active.

Hip arthroscopy, a surgical treatment for this condition, is rapidly gaining attention and proving to be very effective in relieving hip pain in those diagnosed with FAI.

People with FAI usually experience pain in the groin area or outside of the hip. A sharp stabbing pain may occur with turning, twisting, and squatting, but sometimes, it is just a dull ache.

Hip arthroscopy is proving very successful for the treatment of FAI. It generally allows individuals to return to their active lifestyles within 4-6 months after surgery.

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that gives doctors a clear view of the inside of a joint. This helps them diagnose and treat joint problems.

During hip arthroscopy, your surgeon inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your hip joint. The camera displays pictures on a television screen, and your surgeon uses these images to guide miniature surgical instruments.

The most common reasons for hip arthroscopy are to: Remove small pieces of bone or cartilage that may be loose inside your hip joint and causing pain or to repair a torn labrum (a tear in the cartilage that is attached to the rim of your hip socket bone.) This is by no means where it ends.

There are many reasons for the use of hip arthroscopy. Hip arthroscopy was initially used for the diagnosis of unexplained hip pain, but is now widely used in the treatment of conditions both in and outside the hip joint itself.

Minimally invasive hip procedures are becoming increasingly popular among patients as they may provide the pain relief patients need with smaller scars and less postoperative pain than open surgeries. This means patients can enjoy a quicker return to the physical activities and lifestyle they enjoy.