The hip joint is a ball-and-socket configuration that relies on smooth movement between the femur head (ball) and the acetabulum (socket). When components are malformed, it can cause irritation in the hip joint, resulting in excessive bone growth or spurs on the femur or around the socket. This condition is called femoroacetabular impingement, a painful hip disorder that can cause further deterioration to the joint. Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA offers advanced treatment for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) at our orthopedic clinic in Los Angeles.

Causes and Symptoms of FAI

Femoroacetabular impingement, or FAI, occurs when there is an abnormality in the shape of one of the hip joint components. This deformity usually occurs in development during childhood. The misshaped femur head, or acetabulum, causes excess bone growth around the socket rim or on the femur head. This can lead to various types of hip joint impingement – pincher, cam or combined. All can result in joint deterioration and dysfunction. Symptoms of FAI disorders include:

• Pain in the groin or outside of the hip
• Limping
• Stiffness or catching in the hip joint
• Twisting or squatting can cause sharp pain

Not everyone with FAI has symptoms, as it is possible to have this disorder and never experience pain or hip dysfunction. However, FAI can increase the risk of osteoarthritis and quicker degeneration of the hip joint.

Treatment for FAI usually begins with conservative therapies. Using anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy can be beneficial for mild or moderate cases of FAI. For more severe hip pain or dysfunction from FAI, hip arthroscopy may be recommended to repair or reshape the components within the hip joint to allow for improved function and pain relief.

If you have hip pain or dysfunction caused by femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), treatment is available at Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA. Contact us at our orthopedic clinic in Beverly Hills to schedule a hip exam and consultation with our hip specialist, Dr. Farzin Kabaei.