The hip joint is designed to move freely and smoothly in multiple directions, allowing for walking, running, and bending with stability. However, when the bones of the hip joint don’t fit together perfectly, they can rub against each other — a condition known as Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI).
This abnormal contact between the femoral head (the “ball”) and the acetabulum (the “socket”) leads to friction, pain, stiffness, and cartilage damage. Over time, FAI can cause labral tears and increase the risk of developing hip arthritis.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we diagnose and treat FAI using advanced orthopedic techniques to relieve pain, preserve joint function, and help patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas stay active and pain-free.
FAI occurs when abnormal bone growth — known as a bone spur (osteophyte) — forms on either the femoral head or the acetabulum, or both. This extra bone alters the shape of the joint and causes the bones to pinch or grind during movement.
There are three main types of FAI:
- Cam Impingement:
The femoral head is not perfectly round, causing it to jam into the socket during movement. This is common in young athletes. - Pincer Impingement:
The acetabulum (socket) extends too far over the femoral head, pinching the cartilage or labrum. - Combined Impingement:
Both cam and pincer deformities are present, leading to greater wear and tear within the joint.
This repetitive contact gradually damages the labrum (the ring of cartilage that stabilizes the hip) and the smooth articular cartilage, resulting in pain and limited motion.
The exact cause of FAI isn’t always clear, but it typically develops due to abnormal bone growth that occurs during skeletal development. Once formed, the irregular joint shape causes friction during daily movements.
Common causes and contributing factors include:
- Genetics: Some people naturally have bone structures prone to impingement.
- Repetitive motion: Sports like soccer, hockey, and dance that involve deep hip flexion increase wear.
- Bone development issues: Excess bone formation around the femoral neck or acetabulum.
- Previous hip injuries: Fractures or dislocations can alter joint alignment.
- Labral tears or hip instability: Secondary complications often associated with FAI.
- Arthritis or cartilage degeneration: Long-term friction can accelerate joint deterioration.
FAI is especially common among young athletes, but anyone can develop it if joint movement is restricted or repetitive strain occurs over time.
FAI symptoms can appear gradually or suddenly after physical activity. In many cases, pain is deep within the groin or outer hip, often mistaken for a muscle strain.
Common symptoms include:
- Deep aching pain in the front of the hip or groin area
- Sharp pain during twisting, turning, or squatting
- Stiffness or loss of range of motion
- Clicking, catching, or locking sensation in the hip
- Pain after sitting for long periods
- Discomfort that radiates into the thigh or buttock
Symptoms often worsen with physical activity and improve temporarily with rest, though stiffness usually returns afterward.
Accurate diagnosis is essential for preventing long-term hip damage.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, performs a comprehensive evaluation using both physical assessment and advanced imaging.
Diagnostic steps include:
- Medical history and symptom review: Understanding activity level, pain patterns, and previous hip injuries.
- Physical examination: Tests such as the impingement test (flexion, adduction, and internal rotation) help reproduce symptoms.
- X-rays: Identify bone spurs and abnormal joint shapes.
- MRI or MR arthrogram: Provides detailed images of the cartilage, labrum, and surrounding tissues.
- CT scan (if needed): Offers precise visualization of bone anatomy for surgical planning.
By identifying both the bony abnormality and the degree of soft tissue damage, Dr. Burke ensures a complete and accurate diagnosis.
Treatment for FAI focuses on reducing pain, restoring motion, and preventing further joint damage. The right approach depends on the severity of bone irregularities and cartilage involvement.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Activity modification: Avoiding deep flexion or rotation movements that trigger symptoms.
- Open reduction: If the joint cannot be repositioned manually or if fractures are present, surgical intervention is necessary.
- Strengthens surrounding muscles, improves hip stability, and restores range of motion.
Anti-inflammatory medication: Reduces pain and inflammation.
- Platelet-rich plasma injections can promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation in mild to moderate cases.
Rest and posture correction: Helps reduce repetitive stress on the joint.
Surgical Treatments
When conservative treatment fails or structural abnormalities are severe, Hip Arthroscopy is often recommended.
This minimally invasive surgery allows Dr. Burke to:
- Remove bone spurs causing impingement (osteoplasty)
Repair or reconstruct the labrum
- Smooth damaged cartilage
- Restore normal joint motion and alignment
In cases of advanced cartilage damage or arthritis, Reconstructive Surgery or Joint Replacement may be necessary to restore long-term function and relieve pain.
Recovery from FAI treatment depends on the extent of joint damage and the type of procedure performed.
Non-surgical recovery:
- Physical therapy typically improves symptoms within 6–8 weeks.
- Patients gradually return to normal activity once flexibility and strength return.
Post-surgical recovery:
- Most patients walk with crutches for 2–4 weeks.
- Physical therapy begins soon after surgery to rebuild mobility.
- Full recovery usually takes 3–6 months, depending on activity level and healing progress.
Rehabilitation at Dr. Burke Orthopedics emphasizes safe, gradual movement and strengthening exercises that protect the hip from re-injury.
When treated early, most patients with FAI achieve excellent outcomes and avoid long-term complications. However, untreated FAI can lead to labral tears, cartilage wear, and early-onset arthritis.
Preventive measures include:
- Maintaining hip flexibility and strength through regular exercise
- Avoiding repetitive deep squatting or twisting
- Warming up properly before sports
- Addressing hip or groin pain early before it progresses
- Regular orthopedic check-ups if previously diagnosed with impingement or labral tears
With proper treatment and lifestyle management, patients can continue to lead active, pain-free lives.
You should see an orthopedic specialist if you experience:
- Deep or persistent hip or groin pain
- Clicking or locking sensations in the joint
- Stiffness that limits daily activities
- Pain that worsens with activity or prolonged sitting
- Difficulty rotating or bending at the hip
Early evaluation prevents worsening cartilage damage and preserves joint integrity.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If hip pain or stiffness is limiting your mobility, it could be more than muscle strain. Early diagnosis and treatment of FAI can protect your joint health and prevent long-term arthritis.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide expert, patient-focused care using advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgery, and evidence-based rehabilitation programs.
We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, helping patients move confidently again.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation and reconstructive care.
