what is hip impingement

Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), is a condition that occurs when the femoral head (the ball of the hip) pinches up against the acetabulum (the cup of the hip) . It is a common cause of hip pain and discomfort in young and middle-aged adults. Hip impingement can be caused by one or more anatomical abnormalities of the hip joint, such as a misshapen femoral head, deformed femoral neck, or a hip socket that covers too much of the femoral head. Over time, repetitive "bumping" or impingement of the femur on the rim of the acetabulum leads to cartilage and labral damage. Symptoms of hip impingement include pain or stiffness in the groin or front of the thigh, which often occurs or is made worse with bending up of the hip or at the waist, such as when riding a bike, tying shoes, or sitting for long periods of time. A physical exam, X-rays, and oftentimes an MRI scan are required to diagnose hip impingement. Treatment options include rest, activity modifications, careful use of anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and hip joint injections. When surgery is necessary, hip impingement can usually be treated with arthroscopic hip surgery.