Hip Impingement: Identifying and Treating a Common Cause of Hip Pain
Authors
Kuhlman GS, Domb BG
PMID: 20000305 (No DOI available)
Purpose
To educate primary care providers on diagnosing and managing femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), a common yet underrecognized cause of chronic hip pain.
Methods
A narrative review describing the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for FAI. The article highlights the importance of accurate early diagnosis and outlines surgical strategies like hip arthroscopy.
Key Findings
- FAI is characterized by abnormal contact between the femoral head and acetabulum, often leading to labral damage.
- Symptoms include groin or anterolateral hip pain, worsened by flexion and rotation.
- Diagnosis involves physical exam maneuvers (e.g., FADIR test), imaging, and diagnostic injection.
- Physical therapy may help, but arthroscopic surgery is often necessary for definitive treatment.
Conclusion
FAI is a significant cause of hip pain in young, active patients. Early diagnosis and appropriate management, including arthroscopy, can prevent progression to osteoarthritis.
What This Means for Patients
If you have persistent hip or groin pain, especially during activity or sitting, it could be due to FAI. Early diagnosis and proper treatment, potentially including minimally invasive surgery, can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of arthritis.