Pathomorphology and treatment of femoroacetabular impingement

Femoroacetabular impingement is recognized as a major cause of hip pain and early hip joint osteoarthritis in young adults. The dynamic conflict between the femoral neck and the acetabular rim has been shown to result in labral tears, cartilage lesions, and early osteoarthritis. To be successful, the treatment strategy should address the underlying pathomorphology at the femoral neck, the acetabulum, or both. An overview of the various pathomorphologies leading to femoroacetabular impingement and a treatment algorithm intended to preserve the native hip joint should be helpful to the orthopaedic surgeon treating patients with this condition.