Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

What is Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)?

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition where the bones of the hip joint have an abnormal shape, causing them to rub together improperly. This abnormal contact can damage the cartilage and labrum (a ring of soft tissue around the hip socket), leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Over time, FAI can contribute to the development of hip osteoarthritis.

There are three main types of FAI:

Cam Impingement: A bony bump forms on the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint), causing it to grind against the socket.
Pincer Impingement: The acetabulum (hip socket) extends too far over the femoral head, pinching the labrum and compressing the joint.
Torsional: Abnormal hip movement due to abnormal alignment of the femur or pelvis.
Mixed Impingement: A combination of types of deformities.

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How is Femoroacetabular Impingement Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement typically involves detailed examination and imaging. Imaging such as X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans may be needed to evaluate the malalignment of the hip and identify any associated damage such as labral tear, or hip dysplasia.

Symptoms of FAI may include:

Pain in the hip or groin area, especially during activities that involve hip flexion, such a sitting or squatting
Buttock pain or gluteal fatigue or dysfunction
Clicking or catching in the joint
Limited range of motion in the hip joint
Stiffness especially after a period of long sitting

How is FAI Treated?

Treatment for FAI focuses on relieving pain, improving function, and preventing further damage to the hip joint. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause, the severity, and the patient's function and symptoms. In many cases, conservative treatment will be recommended initially, including pain relief, physiotherapy to strengthen the hip and activity modification to reduce stress on the hip.

In cases where conservative management is not successful or the deformity is severe, surgical treatment may be recommended. This will depend on the presence of the underlying cause and other deformity factors but may include hip arthroscopy to repair the torn labrum and reshape the hip, or other hip preservation procedures. If the hip has degeneration then total hip replacement may be a more suitable procedure.

If you are suffering from symptoms of FAI, it is important to get proper evaluation, diagnosis and management by a trained surgeon as rushing into the wrong treatment can be worse than no treatment at all. Dr Eardley-Harris is trained in all forms of non-operative and operative treatments for femoroacetabular impingement and will work with you to tailor a plan with consideration of your hip, your goals and your function.

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Note: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek professional medical advice for you, and your child's specific condition.

Meet Nathan

Adult & Paediatric Hip and Knee Surgeon

Dr Nathan Eardley-Harris has experience in providing care for patients throughout the entire spectrum of life

As an Australian-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon based in Adelaide, South Australia specialising in hip and knee surgery covering very young children to the elderly and everyone in-between, Nathan offers personalised care to help patients find the best outcomes in every unique condition.

He has subspecialty, post-fellowship training in hip preservation surgery and joint replacement, including robotic & technology-assisted surgery across all approaches, including the direct anterior approach. Through compassion, communication, collaboration & competence, Nathan aims to build patient-surgeon trust, helping you understand your condition and the options available to empower you to make better treatment decisions toward your personal recovery goals. With stronger, better-informed patient-surgeon relationships, evidence-based surgical techniques and the latest assistive technology, Nathan aims to provide patients with the best possible care.

My Approach

Personalised Care

Your condition, goals and challenges are unique to you, and your management should reflect that. There is no one-size-fits-all method for treatment - your care is tailored to your situation.

Evidence-based, Modern Technology

With the latest technology including robotics and 3D personalised planning to support evidence-proven surgical techniques, you get accurate, precise results. If surgery is necessary, it’s customised to your situation.

Collaboration With Professionals

See the right team of elite health professionals, hand-selected to provide you with the best outcomes given your condition, rehabilitation & goals.

Comprehensive Surgical Care

Decision for Surgery

Together we have made the decision that surgery is the best pathway forward. Our team will discuss with you the timing and the location of your surgery, including the expected length of stay in hospital.

Personalised Surgical Planning

Dr Eardley-Harris will sit down and plan your specific surgery to best achieve your goals. This may involve further tests needed for the planning, as well as any unique circumstances to your condition or injury.

Preparation

Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions to be ready for the operation. This may include certain tests, medication management, and pre-surgery & aftercare information.

Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery, Dr Eardley-Harris will visit you in the pre-operative room, and answer any other questions that you have, and ensure that you are ready for your procedure. During your surgery, our team will ensure you are comfortable and well-informed.

Recovery

Following surgery you will enter the recovery room, with specialised nursing care. Here, you and your family will be informed of the findings, allowing you to be confident in the outcome. You will follow your pre-planned aftercare procedures to allow your body to recover.

Questions

Choosing surgery is a significant decision that often involves careful consideration of various factors. If you have any questions throughout your process, feel free to ask Dr Eardley-Harris' team for further clarity.

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