Hip Impingement / FAI
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) of the hip is a condition in which there is a mismatch in shape between your femoral head and neck (ball) and acetabulum (socket). Because they do not fit together perfectly, the bones hit against each other during movements such as squatting. Over time, this friction can damage the labrum and cartilage of the joint, causing pain and limiting activity.
FAI can cause groin pain that is worse with sitting and squatting. Diagnosis of FAI is made by knowing your symptoms, medical history, performing a physical examination of the hip, and performing other diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans.
Treatment Options
Treatment typically begins with anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the joint. If your pain is not relieved by nonsurgical treatment, Dr. Wang may recommend arthroscopic hip surgery to repair your labrum and correct the mechanical impingement by shaving the abnormal bony bumps on your femoral neck and acetabulum, which effectively reshapes your hip. Dr. Wang is one of a few surgeons in Orange County who regularly performs hip arthroscopy - to learn more about hip arthroscopy, click here.