Femoroacetabular Impingement
Pronunciation: FEE-mor-oh-as-eh-TAB-yoo-lar im-PINJ-ment
Mechanical conflict between the femoral neck and acetabular rim during hip motion.
Full Definition
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a clinical condition caused by abnormal contact between the femoral head-neck junction and acetabular rim during hip movement. Two primary types exist: cam impingement (femoral head asphericity) and pincer impingement (acetabular overcoverage). FAI can cause labral tears, cartilage damage, and early hip arthritis. The condition is increasingly recognized as a cause of hip pain in young, active adults and may be treated arthroscopically or through open surgical approaches to reshape the bone and repair damaged soft tissues.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as FAI; distinguish cam (femoral) from pincer (acetabular) types.
In Context
- "MR arthrography revealed cam-type femoroacetabular impingement with associated labral tear." — radiology report
- "Hip arthroscopy was performed to address femoroacetabular impingement and repair the acetabular labrum." — operative summary