Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) surgery is a specialised procedure designed to address hip joint pain and improve hip function, particularly for individuals suffering from abnormal bone growth in the hip, which can lead to impingement and pain. The goal of the surgery is to relieve symptoms, prevent further joint damage, and restore normal function to the hip.
During the procedure, the surgeon removes or reshapes the bone spurs or abnormal bone formations that cause the impingement. Depending on the extent of the damage, this is typically done through either an arthroscopic or open surgery approach. In an arthroscopic procedure, small incisions are made, and a camera is inserted to guide the surgery, while open surgery may be required in more complex cases.
Once the abnormal bone is removed, the surgeon may also repair any soft tissue damage to the cartilage or labrum, which is often associated with FAI. In some cases, the femoral head or acetabulum may be reshaped to improve the joint’s range of motion and prevent future impingement.
Patients typically need to rest the hip joint post-surgery and may use crutches for several weeks. A rehabilitation program, including physical therapy, is essential to regain strength, flexibility, and mobility in the hip. With consistent recovery and follow-up care, many individuals experience significant pain relief and enhanced movement, leading to an improved quality of life.
- Deep or sharp groin pain, especially during hip flexion (bending)
- Stiffness or limited range of motion in the hip
- Pain during sitting, squatting, or prolonged walking
- Clicking or catching sensations in the hip joint
- Symptoms that interfere with daily activities or athletic performance
- Clinical evaluation and detailed history of hip symptoms
- Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, and sometimes CT scans to evaluate bone shape and cartilage damage
- Blood tests, anaesthesia clearance, and assessment of overall fitness for surgery
- Instructions on discontinuing certain medications, especially blood thinners
- Fasting for 6–8 hours before surgery
- Education about the surgical procedure, hospital stay, and rehabilitation plan
- Small incisions are made, and a camera (arthroscope) and surgical tools are inserted.
- The surgeon removes excess bone from the femoral head (cam lesion) or the acetabulum rim (pincer lesion).
- Any labral tears or cartilage damage are repaired or debrided.
- This is the preferred technique due to faster recovery and minimal tissue disruption.
- A larger incision is made, and the hip joint is surgically dislocated for full access.
- This approach is used for complex deformities or revision surgeries.
- Most arthroscopic patients go home the same day or after one overnight stay
- Recovery time varies, but full recovery often takes 3 to 6 months
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Nerve or blood vessel injury
- Blood clots (DVT)
- Persistent pain or stiffness
- Hip instability (rare)
- Failure to relieve symptoms or recurrence
- Significant reduction in hip and groin pain
- Restoration of normal joint mechanics
- Improved range of motion and athletic performance
- Delay or prevention of hip arthritis and the need for future joint replacement
- Minimal scarring and faster recovery with the arthroscopic technique
- Immediate: Use of crutches for 2–4 weeks, depending on the extent of repair
- First few weeks: Pain control, icing, and gradual range of motion exercises
- Weeks 4–12: Guided physiotherapy to restore strength and flexibility
- 3–6 months: Return to full activity and sports (individualised based on healing and rehab progress)
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+99Process Involved for Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) Surgery
Treatment Stages for Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) Surgery are:-
- Initial Evaluation: Diagnosis is confirmed using physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays or MRI. This helps identify the type of impingement and plan the surgery accordingly.
- Surgery: A minimally invasive approach, usually hip arthroscopy, uses small incisions to reshape the bone or repair damaged tissues.
- Post-Surgery Care: Pain relief is provided after surgery, and the patient is advised to limit weight-bearing using crutches or a walker to protect the joint.
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy begins shortly after the procedure to improve flexibility, strength, and mobility over the following weeks.
- Follow-Up: Ongoing checkups are scheduled to monitor progress, manage complications, and guide the patient to daily activities and sports.
The following conditions are treated in Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) Surgery:
- Labral Tears: Damage to the cartilage that forms the labrum, which helps stabilise the hip joint, is often caused by abnormal bone contact during movement.
- Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of the cartilage in the hip joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. It often results from impingement over time.
- Bone Spurs (Osteophytes): Abnormal bone growths that develop in the hip joint due to repeated friction, contributing to pain and restricted movement.
- Hip Impingement: Abnormal bone contact between the femur and acetabulum, leading to joint damage, pain, and limited range of motion.
- Cartilage Damage: Wear and tear or injury to the articular cartilage inside the hip joint, which can be aggravated by the abnormal movement of bones during hip impingement.
- Snapping Hip Syndrome: A snapping or clicking sensation occurs in the hip during movement, often linked to the structural changes caused by FAI.
- Eligibility Assessment: FAI surgery is typically recommended for individuals experiencing hip pain due to abnormal contact between the femur and acetabulum. This is often seen in cases where a labral tear or bone spurs affect hip mobility and cause discomfort.
- Pre-Surgery Planning: Before surgery, imaging tests like X-rays or MRIS are conducted to assess the extent of the damage. The healthcare team will also evaluate your overall health and provide instructions on preparing for the procedure and ensuring proper post-surgery care.
- Surgical Procedure: During the surgery, small incisions allow the surgeon to access the hip joint. Using an arthroscope (a tiny camera), the surgeon will remove or reshape any bone spurs or excess bone growth causing the impingement. In some cases, the labrum may also be repaired or reattached.
- Additional Corrections: If necessary, the surgeon may perform additional procedures, such as smoothing the cartilage or adjusting the bone structure to improve the hip joint's function and prevent further damage.
- Closure and Immobilisation: Once the surgery is complete, the incisions are closed, and a bandage or dressing is applied. Depending on the case, patients may be given crutches to avoid putting weight on the affected hip as it heals.
- Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery. Rehab begins soon after surgery to help restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the hip joint. Patients are typically encouraged to gradually resume their normal activities, following a structured rehabilitation plan to ensure optimal healing.
- Arthroscopy
- Osteoplasty
- Labral Repair
- Chondroplasty
- Hip Arthroplasty
Benefits of Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) Surgery include:
- Alleviates Hip Pain: By removing the bony impingement, FAI surgery reduces pressure on the hip joint, leading to significant pain relief, particularly for those with labral tears or cartilage damage.
- Restores Joint Function: The surgery improves hip stability and motion, making it easier for patients to carry out everyday activities like walking, bending, and sitting without discomfort.
- Enhances Mobility: Correcting the abnormal bone growth enhances the hip's range of motion, allowing for smoother and more comfortable movement.
- Delays or Prevents Hip Replacement: FAI surgery can postpone or eliminate the need for a hip replacement by preserving the joint's structure and improving its function.
- Reduces Inflammation: By correcting the impingement, the surgery helps reduce the inflammation and swelling caused by joint friction, leading to long-term relief.
- Supports Active Lifestyles: Ideal for younger, more active individuals, FAI surgery enables them to return to sports and physical activities without the limitations imposed by hip pain.
- Promotes Joint Preservation: FAI surgery is a joint-preserving procedure, focusing on maintaining the hip's natural anatomy and reducing the risk of long-term joint degeneration.
The following are the treating team members for Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) Surgery:
- Orthopaedist
- Surgeon
- Rheumatologist
- Sports Medicine Specialist
- Physiatrist
- Fill out the inquiry form: Please complete the form to provide us with relevant information about your condition.
- Consult with Our Healthcare Expert: One of our qualified specialists will contact you for a consultation.
- Receive a Detailed Treatment Plan: After examining your situation, we will provide you with a detailed treatment plan that includes expert views and cost breakdowns for various choices.
- Choose your preferred option: Choose the therapy option that best suits you.
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