Acetabuloplasty and Pincer Procedures

Request an Appointment

Acetabuloplasty is a surgical procedure used to treat pincer-type femoral acetabular impingement (FAI). For individuals with pincer-type FAI, excess bone growth along the hip socket causes it to cover too much of the femoral head, leading to abnormal contact within the joint. Over time, this can damage the labrum and cartilage, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

Acetabuloplasty and pincer procedures are designed to restore normal hip mechanics by reshaping the hip socket and relieving pressure within the joint. Dr. Seiter specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of FAI, using advanced arthroscopic techniques to reduce pain, improve mobility, and protect the long-term health of the hip.

Candidates for Acetabuloplasty and Pincer Procedures

You may be a candidate for acetabuloplasty and pincer procedures if you:

Experience pain in the groin or front of the hip, especially with sitting or hip flexion
Have stiffness or limited range of motion in the hip
Feel pinching or discomfort during activities like squatting, bending, or pivoting
Feel pain during sports or activities involving twisting or pivoting
Have been diagnosed with pincer-type or combined femoral acetabular impingement (FAI)
Have a labral tear or cartilage damage as a result of impingement
Have tried physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or injections without lasting relief

Dr. Seiter will evaluate your hip using a detailed physical exam and imaging studies (such as X-rays or MRI) to determine whether acetabuloplasty is appropriate for your condition.

About the Procedure

In its early stages, pincer-type FAI can often be managed conservatively, but ongoing symptoms or joint damage may require surgical intervention. When surgery is recommended, acetabuloplasty is typically performed arthroscopically using small incisions and a camera-guided system to access and repair the hip joint.

Acetabuloplasty (Pincer Resection): The rim of the hip socket (acetabulum) is reshaped by removing the excess bone that is causing overcoverage. This reduces abnormal contact within the joint, allowing smoother motion and relieving pressure on the labrum.
Labral Repair or Reconstruction: Because pincer impingement often causes labral injury, the labrum may be repaired and reattached during acetabuloplasty. This restores stability and integrity of the hip joint.
Combined Impingement Treatment: Many patients have both pincer impingement (overcoverage of the hip socket) and cam impingement (the femoral head is not perfectly round). In these cases, acetabuloplasty may be performed alongside femoroplasty (reshaping the femoral head) to eliminate friction and fully correct the underlying structural issue.

As all these procedures are typically performed arthroscopically, they typically have less pain, smaller incisions, and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Recovery

Recovery after acetabuloplasty depends on the extent of bone reshaping and surgical techniques used. Most patients can expect:

Crutches for 2 to 4 weeks to protect the hip joint during early healing
Physical therapy beginning soon after surgery to restore mobility, strength, and joint control
Gradual return to daily activities over 4 to 6 weeks
Progressive strengthening and conditioning over several months
Full recovery typically within 3 to 6 months, including return to sports or high-level activity

Dr. Seiter and his team will provide a personalized recovery plan to help you safely return to your desired level of activity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is pincer impingement?

Pincer impingement occurs when the hip socket covers too much of the femoral head, leading to abnormal contact within the joint. This can cause labral tears, cartilage damage, and progressive joint wear over time.

How is pincer-type FAI diagnosed?

Pincer-type FAI is diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination and imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, which reveal the shape of the hip bones and any associated damage.

Will acetabuloplasty relieve my hip pain?

By correcting the structural cause of impingement, acetabuloplasty can significantly reduce pain and improve range of motion in the hip. Outcomes are best when performed before advanced joint degeneration occurs.

Will surgery for pincer impingement affect my mobility?

The goal of surgery is to restore proper joint clearance, not limit mobility. In fact, most patients experience improved range of motion along with reduced pain after healing.

Can pincer impingement be treated without surgery?

In many cases, yes. Patients often benefit from physical therapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and/or injections. However, if symptoms persist or if there is structural damage, surgery may be needed to prevent further joint degeneration.

What happens if pincer impingement is left untreated?

Untreated impingement can lead to progressive damage of the labrum and cartilage, increasing the risk of early hip arthritis over time. It can also cause chronic pain, stiffness, and limited motion.

How is acetabuloplasty different from femoroplasty?

Acetabuloplasty reshapes the hip socket (acetabulum), while femoroplasty reshapes the femoral head. When patients have combined impingement, both procedures are often performed together.

Is acetabuloplasty performed arthroscopically?

Yes. Most acetabuloplasty procedures are performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, allowing for smaller incisions and faster recovery.

When can I return to sports after acetabuloplasty?

Most patients can return to sports or high-impact activities within 3 to 6 months, depending on their recovery and rehabilitation progress.

Is acetabuloplasty permanent?

Acetabuloplasty removes the source of bone impingement and is often a long-term solution. Outcomes also depend on early diagnosis, proper rehabilitation, and minimizing future joint stress.

Acetabuloplasty and Pincer Procedures

Candidates for Acetabuloplasty and Pincer Procedures

About the Procedure

Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

(970) 476-7220