Femoral Acetabular Impingement (FAI) Treatment
Femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition where abnormal contact between the bones of the hip joint causes friction and damage to the labrum and cartilage. This can lead to pain, reduced range of motion, and—in many cases—progressive joint degeneration if left untreated.
Fortunately, early diagnosis and treatment can preserve hip function and reduce long-term damage. Dr. Seiter specializes in the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of FAI, using advanced arthroscopic techniques to relieve symptoms, restore joint mobility, and protect the long-term health of your hip.
Candidates for FAI Treatment
You may be a candidate for FAI treatment if you:
- Experience sharp or aching pain in the groin or outer hip
- Notice stiffness or reduced range of motion, especially during hip flexion or rotation
- Feel pain during sports or activities involving twisting or pivoting
- Hear or feel clicking, locking, or catching sensations in the hip
- Have pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or walking
- Have been diagnosed with a cam, pincer, or combined-type impingement through imaging
- Have a labral tear or cartilage damage as a result of impingement
- Have not improved with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, injections, or other conservative treatments
FAI most commonly affects athletes and active individuals but can occur in anyone. Dr. Seiter will evaluate your specific condition using physical examination and imaging (such as X-rays or MRI) before recommending a treatment plan.
About the Procedure
In its early stages, FAI can often be managed conservatively, but ongoing symptoms or joint damage may require surgical intervention. When surgery is needed, FAI is typically treated with hip arthroscopy—a minimally invasive technique that allows Dr. Seiter to reshape the hip bones and repair associated damage through small incisions.
- Cam Impingement: When the femoral head is not perfectly round, Dr. Seiter can reshape the femoral head-neck junction to eliminate the bony bump causing joint friction.
- Pincer Impingement: When there is overcoverage of the hip socket (acetabulum), Dr. Seiter can trim the excess bone along the rim of the socket to restore normal joint clearance.
- Combined Impingement: When both cam and pincer components are a concern, Dr. Seiter can address both areas with one surgical procedure.
FAI treatment is often performed in conjunction with labral repair or reconstruction to restore the stability and integrity of the hip joint. If there is cartilage damage, additional procedures may be performed to preserve joint health.
Recovery
Recovery from FAI surgery varies based on the extent of bone reshaping and any additional procedures (like labral repair). Most patients can expect:
- Crutches for 2 to 4 weeks to protect the joint during early healing
- Physical therapy starting soon after surgery to restore motion, strength, and joint control
- Gradual return to daily activities over 4 to 6 weeks
- Full recovery in 3 to 6 months, depending on the procedure and individual activity level
Dr. Seiter and his team will provide a personalized recovery plan and work closely with you throughout the healing process.