Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), is a condition that affects the ball and socket joint in the hip. This joint is responsible for connecting the thigh bone to the pelvis and allowing smooth movement. However, when alignment issues arise, the hip joint may no longer glide smoothly, resulting in hip impingement. This condition is not uncommon and is a leading cause of hip and pelvis arthritis.
Understanding Cam Impingement in the Hip
Impingement in the hip can be classified into two main types: cam and pincer. In this article, we will delve into the details of cam impingement, which occurs when the femoral head, the top of the leg bone, has an irregular shape that hinders its proper fitting into the socket. Consequently, during specific movements of the hip joint, the femoral head experiences compression or jamming within the socket.
Pincer Impingement
In the case of pincer impingement, the femoral head remains intact, but the socket, known as the acetabulum, has an abnormal development. An excess of bone extends beyond the usual point of the socket. Consequently, this additional bone growth comes into direct contact with the femoral head, resulting in the gradual crushing of the femoral head under the pressure exerted by the socket. It is worth noting that both types of impingement can occur simultaneously, leading to a condition known as combination hip impingement.