Femoroacetabular impingement: role of imaging

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Hip Biomechanics

Background:

• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a hip condition caused by repetitive abutment between the femur and acetabular rim.
• FAI results from loss of joint clearance during hip motion.
• It is classified as cam FAI (femoral abnormality) or pincer FAI (acetabular abnormality).

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the significance of preoperative Magnetic Resonance (MR) evaluation in patients with FAI.
• To emphasize the role of MR in accurately assessing the extent of damage associated with FAI.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on femoroacetabular impingement.
• Description of cam and pincer FAI classifications based on anatomical abnormalities.
• Emphasis on the diagnostic capabilities of MR imaging in FAI assessment.

Main Results:

• Cam FAI involves abnormal femoral head-neck shape causing impingement.
• Pincer FAI involves acetabular overcoverage restricting motion.
• Preoperative MR evaluation is vital for determining the precise extension of joint damage.

Conclusions:

• Accurate preoperative assessment of FAI damage is essential for effective treatment planning.
• MR imaging provides critical information for differentiating FAI types and evaluating injury severity.
• Understanding the extent of damage through MR aids in managing FAI and optimizing patient outcomes.