Orthopedic perspectives on femoroacetabular impingement
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Published on: July 2, 2021
Aimee A Kennedy1, Scott B Rosenfeld
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Insights
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) causes hip pain due to abnormal femur-acetabulum contact. Early diagnosis via imaging is key for successful surgical treatment in children, before degenerative changes occur.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Background:
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a hip condition characterized by abnormal contact between the femur and acetabulum.
- FAI can be primary in children with anatomical abnormalities or secondary to hip conditions or trauma.
- Two main types, cam and pincer FAI, are defined by the location of the abnormality (femoral or acetabular side).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review orthopedic perspectives on using imaging modalities for FAI diagnosis and treatment guidance.
- To emphasize the importance of understanding FAI etiology and features for effective pediatric orthopedic management.
- To highlight how early diagnosis impacts surgical outcomes in FAI.
Main Methods:
- Review of orthopedic literature focusing on imaging modalities for FAI.
- Analysis of radiographs, MRI, and CT in defining anatomical features of FAI.
- Discussion of how imaging guides treatment decisions in pediatric FAI cases.
Main Results:
- Early surgical intervention for FAI yields good outcomes.
- Advanced degenerative changes significantly diminish the chances of successful surgical outcomes.
- Accurate diagnosis using imaging modalities is crucial for orthopedic surgeons treating FAI.
Conclusions:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of FAI in children is essential for optimal surgical outcomes.
- Imaging modalities like radiographs, MRI, and CT are vital tools for defining FAI anatomy and guiding treatment.
- Understanding the specific features and etiology of FAI in each child is critical for orthopedic management.
Abstract:
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a cause of hip pain in which there is abnormal and repetitive contact between the proximal femur and the acetabulum. FAI can occur as a primary condition in children with distinct anatomical abnormalities or can occur as a secondary process in cases of developmental hip conditions or trauma. There are two main categories of FAI, cam and pincer, which are distinguished based on whether the anatomical abnormality is on the femoral side or the acetabular side of the hip joint, respectively. Good outcomes have been achieved with early surgical intervention, but once advanced degenerative changes have occurred the chances for a successful surgical outcome are severely diminished. The orthopedic surgeon's ability to appropriately treat FAI depends on an accurate understanding of the etiology and features of each child. The ability to make an early, accurate diagnosis is enhanced with the use of imaging modalities such as radiographs, MRI and CT. This review will focus on orthopedic perspectives in the use of these imaging modalities in defining the anatomical features of and guiding treatment for FAI.
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