Femoroacetabular Impingement in Young Athletes

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a structural abnormality of the hip joint.
• It involves a mismatch between the femoral head and acetabulum.
• FAI can lead to significant hip pathology, including labral tears, cartilage damage, and early osteoarthritis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the current understanding of femoroacetabular impingement.
• To outline diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies for FAI.
• To discuss outcomes of surgical intervention for FAI.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on FAI etiology, diagnosis, and management.
• Analysis of diagnostic triad: symptoms, clinical signs, and radiographic findings.
• Evaluation of conservative and surgical treatment modalities.

Main Results:

• FAI etiology is multifactorial, with genetic and environmental factors implicated.
• Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical presentation and imaging.
• Conservative management with physical therapy is the first-line treatment.
• Hip arthroscopy offers excellent outcomes for select patients, facilitating return to sport.

Conclusions:

• Early diagnosis and management of FAI are crucial to prevent long-term joint damage.
• A structured approach combining conservative care and, when necessary, surgical intervention can yield favorable results.
• Surgical hip arthroscopy is effective for restoring function and enabling return to athletic activities in patients with FAI.