Hip Impingement
What is Hip Impingement?
Hip impingement happens when extra bone grows along the ball (femoral head) or socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint, causing them to rub against each other during movement. This abnormal contact can lead to pain and damage over time. There are two main types: Cam impingement, where the ball isn't perfectly round, and Pincer impingement, where the socket covers too much of the ball. Some people have a combination of both. As the hip moves, whether during sports or daily activities, this rubbing can pinch the labrum (a ring of cartilage in the joint), often leading to labral tears or early joint damage.
Patients with hip impingement may feel pain around their groin, pain after exercise or repetitive motion, limited range of motion in their hip, catching or locking of their hip, among other painful symptoms.
Understanding the Anatomy of the Hip Joint
To better understand hip impingement and its symptoms, it helps to first look at how the hip joint works. The hip is a ball and socket joint made up of the femoral head (the ball) and the acetabulum (the socket). In a healthy hip, these two parts fit together smoothly, allowing for pain-free movement. However, in some people, the shape of the ball or socket can be slightly off, due to genetics, previous injury, or other factors. When this happens, the bones can rub against each other during motion, leading to pain and irritation known as hip impingement.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing hip impingement involves a thorough evaluation that includes reviewing your medical history, assessing your current symptoms, and performing a detailed physical examination. During the exam, specific tests may be used to evaluate range of motion, joint stability, muscle strength, and areas of tenderness or discomfort.
Imaging studies often play a key role in diagnosis. X-rays can help identify structural abnormalities or rule out fractures, while MRI or MR arthrogram can provide detailed images of soft tissues such as cartilage, tendons, and the labrum.
Treatment Options for Hip Impingement
Treatment for hip labral tears and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) depends on the severity of your symptoms and your personal needs. Many patients with mild cases can improve with non-surgical care, including rest, activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes regenerative treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.
If these treatments don't provide enough relief, your doctor may recommend hip arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgery. During this procedure, the surgeon can remove extra bone that's causing the impingement and repair any damage to the cartilage or labrum, helping restore proper hip function and relieve pain.
What is the American Hip Institute?
The American Hip Institute is the #1 clinic in the United States for advanced hip treatment, offering the best outcomes and patient experience in the world.
Hip Impingement Treatment at the American Hip Institute
The American Hip Institute is the leading destination for the diagnosis and treatment of hip impingement. Our team of experts have helped develop many of the minimally invasive surgical procedures used around the world today to treat this condition. We also offer non-surgical treatments for those will minor symptoms or who are not ready for surgery. Every treatment we offer is backed by ongoing research and outcomes data, ensuring that our patients receive the most proven, effective care available. With personalized treatment plans, state-of-the-art technology, and a focus on joint preservation, AHI is committed to helping you find lasting relief and return to the activities you love.
American Hip Institute by The Numbers
- 1stIn the nation to perform outpatient robotic hip surgery
- 10000+Hip surgeries performed by AHI surgeons
- 500+Research articles published by the team, driving innovation in hip treatment
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Theresa S. shares her return to volleyball, softball, and a successful sprint triathlon!
I am very excited to share that I have not only been able to return to some of my favorite sports, including volleyball and softball, but I just competed in a sprint triathlon this past weekend! I am so grateful to the American Hip Institute team for guiding me through this recovery process and back to the activities I love.
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Emma U. Mother of Five Gets Hip Complex Condition Diagnosed and Treated Successfully at AHI
I underwent hip arthroscopy yesterday at AHI, and today I woke up pain free! Now I'll hopefully be able to spend more time with my kids - going on hikes, traveling, and doing all of the things that we love to do.
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MLS Soccer player, Chris Mueller., Returns to Play in 5 Months
It took me probably 5 months to be back on the field with my cleats, aside from all the recovery I was doing beforehand. Now I am back on the field, it has been 7 months post op and I feel great. I do not have any of the same pains that I had before while I was playing.
Meet Our Team!
The American Hip Institute is the first medical center in the nation dedicated exclusively to the treatment of hip conditions, with specialized expertise in hip impingement. Our surgeons have pioneered many of the minimally invasive techniques used today to correct impingement and preserve the natural hip joint. With over 10,000 hip surgeries performed and the largest published series of successful outcomes, AHI continues to lead the field in innovation, research, and excellence in treating femoroacetabular impingement.
