Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) Surgery | PAX Medicus Medical Tourism UK

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) Surgery

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition where excess bone on the femoral head or hip socket causes abnormal contact inside the joint, leading to pain, cartilage damage, and limited mobility.

Through partner orthopaedic centres abroad, Pax Medicus – a UK medical tourism agency — coordinates full diagnostic assessment, arthroscopic FAI surgery, and postoperative rehabilitation.

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Understanding Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the acetabulum (socket) and the femoral head (ball). These surfaces are covered in cartilage, supported by a cartilage ring called the labrum.

In FAI, excess bone causes the femoral head and acetabulum to collide abnormally. This leads to labral tears, cartilage wear, pain, and restricted movement.

How Is FAI Diagnosed?

A thorough clinical examination is essential. Pain is typically triggered when the hip is flexed, adducted, and internally rotated.

Orthopaedic Assessment

  • FAI clinical tests (FADIR).
  • Assessment of hip mobility and strength.
  • Evaluation of gait and posture.

Imaging

  • X-ray to assess bone shape and hip alignment.
  • CT scan for detailed bone mapping.
  • MRI to identify labral tears and cartilage damage.

How Does FAI Develop?

The exact cause is unclear, but most specialists believe it arises from developmental irregularities in hip shape. Symptoms often appear earlier in physically active individuals who frequently use deep hip flexion.

CAM Impingement

  • Excess bone on the femoral head/neck.
  • More common in young males.
  • Causes shearing forces on cartilage.

PINCER Impingement

  • Bony overhang of the acetabulum.
  • More common in middle-aged females.
  • Crushes the labrum during hip flexion.

Mixed Type

  • Combination of CAM and PINCER.
  • The most common form of FAI.
  • Causes progressive cartilage and labral damage.

Symptoms of Femoroacetabular Impingement

Common Symptoms

  • Groin pain, especially when sitting or bending.
  • Hip clicking, locking, or snapping.
  • Pain during sport or prolonged walking.
  • Stiffness and reduced hip mobility.

Long-term Effects

  • Abnormal gait (walking pattern).
  • Progressive cartilage damage.
  • Increased risk of early hip osteoarthritis.

Treatment Options for FAI

Non-surgical Treatment

  • NSAIDs to reduce inflammation (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen).
  • Targeted physiotherapy to improve hip mobility.
  • Strengthening of stabilising hip muscles.

Non-surgical treatment is suitable for mild cases without major mechanical abnormalities.

When Surgery Is Recommended

  • Persistent symptoms despite physiotherapy.
  • Evidence of mechanical impingement.
  • Labral tears or progressive cartilage wear.

Arthroscopic hip surgery aims to restore smooth joint movement and prevent long-term degeneration.

FAI Arthroscopic Surgery – What Happens?

The procedure is performed under spinal or general anaesthesia, with the patient lying on their back.

Step-by-step Procedure

  • The leg is placed under traction to open the joint space.
  • A 1 cm incision is made to insert an arthroscope.
  • Additional instruments remove abnormal bone and repair damaged labrum.
  • X-ray guidance is used throughout for accuracy.

Surgery typically lasts 1–2 hours, depending on severity.

Recovery After FAI Surgery

  • Crutches are used initially, with gradual weight-bearing.
  • Rehabilitation begins immediately to restore mobility.
  • Strength training progresses over several weeks.
  • Full recovery usually takes 4–6 months.

Athletes receive a tailored rehabilitation plan to support a safe return to sport.

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Disclaimer
*The Pax Medicus website provides information for guidance only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pax Medicus does not provide healthcare services and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional. Always seek advice from your physician regarding any medical condition. Prices shown are indicative only and subject to confirmation by the healthcare provider. This is the official website of Pax Medicus; we do not operate through agents or third-party sites.

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