Question 1

What is femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)?

Accepted Answer

FAI is a condition where abnormally shaped bones in the hip joint pinch together during movement, damaging the labrum (cartilage ring around socket) and articular cartilage. There are three types: Cam-type (bump on ball side - more common in men), Pincer-type (extra coverage on socket side - more common in women), and Mixed-type (both cam and pincer - most common). The abnormal bone shape develops during childhood/adolescence. It causes no problems initially, but repetitive impingement during sports and activities gradually damages the labrum and cartilage, causing pain in your 20s-40s.

Question 2

What causes FAI?

Accepted Answer

The exact cause is unknown, but the abnormal bone shape develops during childhood and adolescence. Possible factors: genetics (runs in families), high-level sports during growth (repetitive stress may alter bone shape), developmental hip conditions (Perthes disease, slipped capital femoral epiphysis). The bone abnormality itself is present from adolescence, but symptoms typically don't start until the 20s-40s when cumulative damage to the labrum and cartilage reaches a threshold. You're born with normal hips - the abnormal shape develops during growth.

Question 3

Will I need surgery?

Accepted Answer

Not everyone with FAI needs surgery. Try non-surgical treatment first (activity modification, physiotherapy) for 3-6 months. Surgery considered if: persistent pain despite conservative treatment, pain interfering with sport or daily activities, you're young and active and want to return to sports, MRI shows labral tear or cartilage damage. Surgery NOT suitable if: significant arthritis already present on X-rays (poor outcomes), low activity demands and symptoms manageable with modification, or medical problems making surgery risky. About 40-50% of people manage with non-surgical treatment; others eventually choose surgery.

Question 4

What is the success rate of hip arthroscopy for FAI?

Accepted Answer

Success rate is 70-85% for pain relief and return to activity in well-selected patients. Best outcomes if: young (under 40 years), minimal or no arthritis on pre-op MRI, labral tear is repairable (not completely destroyed), high pre-injury activity level. Poorer outcomes if: over 40 years, significant arthritis present, previous hip surgery, labrum too damaged to repair. About 20-30% don't achieve full return to pre-injury activity level. Elite athletes may struggle to return to top-level competition. 10-15% may need revision surgery or eventually hip replacement if arthritis progresses.

Question 5

How long is recovery after hip arthroscopy?

Accepted Answer

Typical timeline: 2-4 weeks on crutches, 6-8 weeks to normal walking, 3-4 months to light jogging, 4-6 months to return to sport, 12-18 months for full recovery and maximal improvement. Early phase (0-6 weeks): focus on protecting labral repair while regaining range of motion. Middle phase (6-16 weeks): progressive strengthening. Late phase (16+ weeks): return to sport-specific training. The rehabilitation is long and requires dedication - patients who don't comply with physiotherapy have poorer outcomes. You cannot rush recovery - returning to sport too early risks re-tear.

Medical Disclaimer

Hip Impingement (CAM-Type FAI)

📖What is Hip Impingement (CAM-Type FAI)?

🔬What Causes It?

⚠️Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if:

🛡️Prevention