Femoral Acetabular Impingement in Manhattan, NY

In femoral acetabular impingement (FAI), bone spurs develop around the femoral head and/or along the acetabulum. The bone overgrowth causes the hip bones to hit against each other, rather than to move smoothly next to one another. Over time, this can result in the tearing of the labrum and breakdown of articular cartilage (osteoarthritis). There are three types of FAI: pincer, cam, and combined impingement.

Pincer: This type of impingement occurs because extra bone extends out over the normal rim of the acetabulum. The labrum can be torn or damaged under the prominent rim of the acetabulum.

Cam: In a cam impingement, the femoral head is not round and cannot rotate smoothly inside the acetabulum. A bump forms on the edge of the femoral head that then grinds the cartilage inside the acetabulum.

Combined: Combined impingement just means that both the pincer and cam types are present. It is the deformity of a cam bone spur, pincer bone spur, or both, that leads to joint damage and pain. When the hip bones are shaped abnormally, there is little that can be done to prevent FAI.

Because athletically active people may work the hip joint more vigorously, they may begin to experience pain earlier than those who are less active. However, exercise does not cause FAI.

People with FAI usually have pain in the groin area, although the pain sometimes may be more toward the outside of the hip. Sharp stabbing pain may occur with turning, twisting, and squatting, but sometimes, it is just a dull ache on the front of the hip. Some people with FAI may notice no symptoms at all. The signs and symptoms of FAI include:

• Hip pain that worsens during physical activity or long periods of sitting
• Limping
• Stiffness in the hip

Procedural options for FAI include a hip joint injection with cortisone or steroid to see if we can decrease the inflammation in the joint and improve pain. Steroid injections can help with acute pain but are not a good long term solution. Our providers also offer Regenexx regenerative medicine procedures utilizing platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet lysate (PL) and bone marrow concentrate containing stem cells which can help improve pain and at times repair torn or damaged hip labrum. However, if there is significant bony impingement or a structural abnormality that will continue to irritate the labrum, surgery may be necessary.

If you suffer from femoral acetabular impingement, contact Ospina Medical to schedule an appointment and learn more about your treatment options. Our providers specialize in Regenexx treatments that can help heal and restore damaged tissue. Book your consultation at Ospina Medical in Midtown Manhattan today to see if you are a candidate.

Who is at risk of developing femoral acetabular impingement?

Individuals who participate in activities that involve repetitive hip motion or high-impact sports are at a higher risk of developing femoral acetabular impingement. Additionally, structural abnormalities in the hip joint can predispose someone to femoral acetabular impingement.

What are the potential complications of untreated femoral acetabular impingement?

If left untreated, femoral acetabular impingement can lead to further damage to the hip joint, including cartilage tears, labral tears, and osteoarthritis. These complications may result in chronic pain and decreased mobility.

Can femoral acetabular impingement be prevented?

While femoral acetabular impingement cannot always be prevented, individuals can reduce their risk by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding overuse of the hip joint, and practicing proper techniques during physical activities.