Hip impingement, medically known as femoroacetabular impingement, affects around one-third of the population. It often goes undiagnosed for years as it may not show symptoms in its early stages. Young athletes are more prone to developing hip impingement, which is also linked to osteoarthritis. People with this condition have a higher risk of developing arthritis over time. Although there is no cure currently, proper treatment can effectively help manage the symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement.
Understanding Femoroacetabular Impingement
Femoroacetabular impingement refers to a condition where the femoral head of the hip is unable to move freely within the acetabular socket due to excessive bone growth. This restricted range of motion often leads to the labral or articular cartilage getting damaged as a result of repeated rubbing. Moreover, as the degeneration continues, the chances of developing osteoarthritis significantly increase.
Types of Femoroacetabular Impingement
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) can be classified into two main types: CAM and Pincer. These types are differentiated by the characteristics of the hip joint abnormalities they present.
The CAM type of FAI is commonly observed in young male athletes. It occurs when the femoral head, which is the rounded end of the thigh bone, is larger than normal. This causes the femoral head to come into contact with the acetabulum socket, resulting in abnormal friction and movement. Over time, this repetitive impact can cause tears in the labral cartilage, which is located within the hip joint and provides stability.
On the other hand, the Pincer type of FAI is more frequently found in middle-aged women. In this case, the acetabulum socket extends beyond its normal boundaries, forming a rim that covers more of the femoral head. This extra bone overgrowth can lead to impingement as the hip joint moves, causing pain and discomfort.
It is important to note that while CAM and Pincer are the primary types of FAI, some individuals may have a combination of both, known as Mixed FAI. This occurs when there are abnormalities in both the femoral head and the acetabulum socket.