What is femoroacetabular impingement?
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), also known as hip impingement, happens when one or more of the bones in your hip joint have an unusual shape, allowing them to pinch or rub against each other. Over time, this friction can cause damage, resulting in hip and groin discomfort and limiting your flexibility and mobility.
Left untreated, FAI can damage the cartilage that cushions the hip joint, leading to arthritis or painful joint deterioration. Surgery is sometimes required to repair the damage. Hip impingement can cause pain at any age, but it’s most common in people from their mid-teens to their 40s or 50s.
Types of hip impingement
The conditions that cause hip impingement are typically present at birth, but they can show up later in life. There are three types of hip impingement:
Cam impingement
A bony growth at the top of the femur, or thigh bone, keeps it from fitting correctly into the socket of the hip bone. Sometimes, this bony growth may occur due to physical activity.
Pincer impingement
During a child’s development, they may experience extra bone growth in the hip socket. The femoral head (the top of the femur) rubs against the extra growth when the hip flexes, damaging the labrum, a ring of cartilage that helps stabilize the joint.
Combined impingement
Combined impingement means both the pincer and cam types are present.
Hip impingement symptoms
Hip impingement often starts with mild symptoms, which can remain minimal for years, but as it progresses, pain and limitations can interfere with daily activities.
Common signs include pain in the groin or hip, which may also extend to the buttock, knee, lower back or thigh. Pain is often triggered by exercise or sitting cross-legged.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Clicking, popping or catching sensation in the hip
- Pain
- Limping
When to see a doctor for hip impingement
If your hip pain is minor, self-care can help. But if your discomfort persists even after rest and pain-relieving medication, it might be time to see your doctor. The longer your pain goes untreated, the more damage impingement can cause in the hip.
At Baylor Scott & White, you have access to orthopedic specialists who can determine the cause of your pain and provide the care and treatment you need to get back to your active life.
What causes hip impingement?
The hip joint is made up of a ball and a socket. The ball—the rounded head of the femur—fits inside the socket —the acetabulum. Hip impingement happens when either the ball or socket, or both, are irregularly shaped and rub against one another, damaging the protective layer of cartilage and causing pain.
Hip impingement risk factors
It’s not totally clear what causes the irregular shape of the hip bones associated with hip impingement. Genetic factors may play a role. Another risk factor may be excessive athletic activity in childhood when bones are still growing.
Hip impingement is common in competitive athletes, and some sports may aggravate hip impingement than others. But you don’t have to be a professional athlete or even a serious amateur to develop hip impingement. It can impact anyone at any age, especially if you’re in your 20s to 40s.
Risk factors for hip impingement include:
- Participation in intense sports, such as martial arts, ballet, football, hockey, baseball, rugby and soccer, especially in childhood
- Activities that require deep squats, such as powerlifting
- High physical activity level
Complications of femoroacetabular impingement
When femoroacetabular impingement is left untreated, it can lead to long-term complications such as osteoarthritis, which is the breakdown of cartilage in the joint, and labral damage, where the tissue that absorbs shock in the hip is harmed, causing stiffness and pain. These issues can result in severe discomfort and reduced mobility.
How is hip impingement diagnosed?
To diagnose hip impingement, your provider will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests to look for damage in the joint.
Medical history and exam
Before your exam, make a list of your symptoms and any previous hip injuries or disorders.
Your provider may ask if you participated in sports as a child and if you currently play sports or participate in other high-intensity activities. You’ll describe the type and severity of your pain and your family history.
During a physical exam, your doctor will look for any physical abnormalities and listen for irregular sounds, including clicking or popping. Your doctor will bend, flex and rotate your hip to evaluate its range of motion. They’ll ask you about which movements or positions cause pain.
Imaging
Your doctor will likely order diagnostic imaging tests to confirm a femoroacetabular impingement diagnosis. Tests and scans can help your doctor locate abnormalities or signs of damage in the hip joint and identify the source of your discomfort.
- X-ray: Radiographic studies provide detailed images of the bones of the hip joints
- CT scan: These cross-sectional views combine multiple X-rays for a more complete joint picture.
- MRI scan: This radiation-free scan uses magnetic fields to produce images of cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
Hip impingement test
An impingement test involves a series of movements to check for hip impingement. While lying on your back, your provider will lift your leg toward your chest, then bend your knee at a 90-degree angle and rotate your leg inward. These movements apply light pressure to areas where impingement may occur. If you experience pain during the test, it may indicate FAI. The test may be uncomfortable, but it's safe. Be sure to let your provider know if any movement causes severe pain.
Hip impingement treatment
Hip impingement treatments vary by person depending on the severity of pain and level of damage to the hip. Medications, physical therapy, rest and surgery, if necessary, are all options.
Lifestyle changes
Even though you can’t control the shape of your hip joint, you can make some changes to your daily routine to help alleviate the symptoms. Notice what causes pain associated with your hip impingement and modify these activities to avoid making the condition more severe.
Medication
If your discomfort isn’t severe and your femoroacetabular impingement can be treated with nonsurgical methods, your doctor will probably recommend pain-relieving medications. Although these medications don’t address the cause of your impingement, they might be all you need to relieve your pain, letting you move more and get you back to your active life.
- Corticosteroids: These drugs help reduce inflammation and are usually given by injection into the joint.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medications reduce discomfort and inflammation. They are typically sold over the counter, but stronger NSAIDs need a doctor’s prescription.
Surgery
When nonsurgical options don’t effectively relieve symptoms, your provider may recommend a procedure to repair the hip joint. Options include:
- Hip arthroscopy: A doctor uses a camera and small instruments inserted through tiny incisions to remove or repair damaged bone or cartilage caused by impingement. They may repair or clean the labrum and articular cartilage, and correct the FAI by trimming the acetabular rim and shaving down the bump on the femoral head.
- Traditional hip surgery: Some more severe cases may require an open operation where a doctor works through larger incision sites to repair damaged tissues.
Locations
We offer several locations for your care, including orthopedic specialty centers in North and Central Texas.
Baylor Scott & White - The Brenham Clinic
600 N Park St , Brenham, TX, 77833- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Cedar Park
910 E Whitestone Blvd , Cedar Park, TX, 78613- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - College Station Rock Prairie
800 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Georgetown
4945 Williams Dr , Georgetown, TX, 78633- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Round Rock 300 University
300A University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Greater Dallas Orthopaedics - Irving
2001 N MacArthur Blvd Ste 630, Irving, TX, 75061
Baylor Scott & White Hip Preservation Center - McKinney
5220 W University Dr Ste 220, McKinney, TX, 75071- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Austin
5245 W US Hwy 290 Service Rd , Austin, TX, 78735
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Brenham
700 Medical Pkwy , Brenham, TX, 77833
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Buda
5330 Overpass Rd , Buda, TX, 78610
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - College Station
700 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine
1650 W College St , Grapevine, TX, 76051
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest
100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lakeway
100 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Marble Falls
810 W State Hwy 71 , Marble Falls, TX, 78654
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Pflugerville
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Ste 100, Pflugerville, TX, 78660
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Round Rock
300 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Sunnyvale
231 S Collins Rd , Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Taylor
305 Mallard Ln , Taylor, TX, 76574
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
Baylor Scott & White Orthopaedic Trauma Associates - Dallas
3409 Worth St Ste 300, Dallas, TX, 75246- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopaedic Trauma Associates - Grapevine
1631 Lancaster Dr Ste 230, Grapevine, TX, 76051- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopaedic Trauma Associates - McKinney
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 220, McKinney, TX, 75071- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas
3900 Junius St Ste 500, Dallas, TX, 75246- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Centennial
4401 Coit Rd Ste 203, Frisco, TX, 75035- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Flower Mound
1110 Parker Sq , Flower Mound, TX, 75028- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Grapevine
1631 Lancaster Dr Ste 230, Grapevine, TX, 76051
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - McKinney
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 300, McKinney, TX, 75071- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - North Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 325, Garland, TX, 75044
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Park Cities
9101 N Central Expy Ste 300, Park Cities, TX, 75231
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd POB II, Ste 600, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Sunnyvale
341 Wheatfield Dr Ste 290, Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 810, Frisco, TX, 75034- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Sports and Orthopedic Center
140 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Institute - Mansfield
1776 N US 287 Ste 220, Mansfield, TX, 76063- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Institute - Midway Midlothian
4431 E US Hwy 287 , Midlothian, TX, 76065- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Sports Surgery Center at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 410, Frisco, TX, 75034- Monday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Carrollton
4780 N Josey Ln , Carrollton, TX, 75010- Monday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health
3500 Gaston Ave , Dallas, TX, 75246Hours of Operation
Hours of Operation
Office Hours
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does hip impingement go away?
Because it’s a result of a misshapen bone, hip impingement doesn’t go away on its own. The good news is some treatments can help improve your symptoms and prevent further damage.
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How do you fix hip impingement?
Treatment for hip impingement varies according to the individual person and the severity of the condition. Nonsurgical treatments can include activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroid injections. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to reshape the bones in the hip joint.
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What does a hip impingement feel like?
When you have hip impingement, you may feel pain in your hip or groin, especially when exercising or sitting with your legs flexed, such as cross-legged, for long periods. Less likely, your buttock, knee, lower back or thigh may hurt. You may also experience a clicking sensation in your hip joint.
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Can hip impingement cause knee pain?
Some people with hip impingement feel pain in their knee, known as referred pain, which starts in the hip. Limited internal rotation of the hip, common in hip impingement, may also increase the risk of ACL injuries, as the ACL is the main ligament in the knee.
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Can hip impingement cause sciatica?
Yes, hip impingement can potentially cause sciatica. When the bones in the hip joint pinch or irritate nearby nerves, including the sciatic nerve, it can lead to symptoms like pain, tingling or numbness that radiate down the leg.