Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Literature Review

Abstract

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a hip condition characterized by abnormal contact between the femoral head and the acetabulum, often leading to joint damage and osteoarthritis. This literature review explores the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment options for FAI, synthesizing current research findings from clinical and biomechanical studies. FAI is classified into two primary types: cam impingement, caused by deformity of the femoral head, and pincer impingement, due to acetabular over-coverage. Mixed types involving both mechanisms are also common. Advancements in imaging modalities, such as MRI and CT, have improved diagnostic accuracy, allowing for earlier detection and better differentiation between types of FAI. Conservative treatment options, including physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, are often first-line therapies. However, surgical intervention, particularly arthroscopy, has gained prominence for symptomatic patients, demonstrating favorable outcomes in restoring hip function and delaying the progression of osteoarthritis. Despite the success of surgical interventions, challenges remain in understanding the long-term outcomes, particularly concerning the recurrence of symptoms and the risk of joint degeneration. This review also highlights controversies regarding the optimal management of asymptomatic FAI, as the risk-benefit balance of surgical treatment in such cases remains unclear. Overall, FAI remains a significant clinical issue requiring a multidisciplinary approach to optimize patient outcomes, and further longitudinal studies are necessary to assess the efficacy of treatment strategies over time. Keywords: Femoroacetabular, Impingement, Joint