Conditions Treated Hip Hip Impingement

Hip Impingement

Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), is a condition where there is abnormal contact between the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint. This contact can cause hip pain, limited movement, and may lead to damage of the cartilage and labrum within the joint.

Causes of hip impingement typically include:

  • Structural Abnormalities: Anatomical variations in the shape of the hip bones can predispose individuals to hip impingement.
  • Repetitive Movements: Engaging in activities that involve repetitive hip flexion or rotation, such as certain sports (e.g., soccer, hockey, ballet), can exacerbate impingement symptoms over time.
  • Muscle Imbalance: Weakness or tightness in the muscles surrounding the hip joint can alter movement patterns and contribute to impingement.
  • Joint Hypermobility: Excessive flexibility or laxity in the hip joint can also increase the risk of impingement by allowing for abnormal movement and positioning of the bones.

Symptoms of hip impingement can include groin pain, hip stiffness, limited range of motion, and clicking or catching sensations in the hip joint, particularly during certain movements or activities.

Treatment for hip impingement may include physical therapy to address muscle imbalances and improve hip function, activity modification, pain management, and in some cases, surgical intervention to correct the underlying structural abnormalities and alleviate impingement symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention are important to prevent further damage to the hip joint and improve long-term outcomes.

Most Common Hip Impingements

Cam impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), is a structural abnormality of the hip joint where the femoral head (ball-shaped top of the thigh bone) is not perfectly round, leading to a mismatch with the acetabulum (socket of the hip joint). This irregularity causes the femoral head to bump against the rim of the acetabulum during certain movements, particularly with hip flexion and rotation. Over time, this repetitive friction can damage the acetabular labrum, cartilage, and surrounding soft tissues, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the hip joint.

Treatment options focus on addressing the underlying bony abnormality, typically through surgical intervention to reshape the femoral head and alleviate impingement, ultimately restoring proper hip function and reducing symptoms.

Pincer impingement occurs when there is excessive coverage of the femoral head by the acetabulum, often due to structural abnormalities of the hip socket. This can happen if the acetabulum is abnormally deep or if there is over-coverage of the femoral head by the acetabular rim. As a result, the femoral head may impinge or pinch against the acetabular rim during hip motion, leading to compression of the labrum and surrounding soft tissues. Pincer impingement can cause pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion in the hip joint, similar to cam impingement.

Treatment options aim to address the structural abnormalities of the acetabulum, typically through surgical intervention to restore normal hip anatomy and alleviate impingement, ultimately improving hip function and reducing symptoms for patients.

Specialized Hip Impingement & Hip Pain Treatment in Montgomery County, Maryland

Discover specialized care for hip impingement and hip pain at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics: Maryland Orthopedic Specialists Division. Our dedicated team of orthopedic specialists offers advanced treatment options tailored to alleviate your symptoms and enhance your quality of life. Whether you're experiencing hip pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, we're here to help you find relief and regain function. Contact us at (301) 515-0900 or schedule your appointment online to start your journey towards relief and improved hip health.