Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) refers to a condition in which extra bone grows along one or both of the bones that form the hip joint.
This gives the bones an uneven shape. As the bones do not fit with each other perfectly, they rub against one another during movement. Over a period, this friction can cause joint damage leading to pain and restrictions on activities.
Hip arthroscopy orthopedic surgery can successfully treat this condition. Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides hip arthroscopy surgery to patients in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.
Causes
The main cause behind the occurrence of FAI is that the hip bones do not develop normally in the growing years. The deformity of the pincer bone spur, cam bone spur, or both, cause damage to the joint and pain. With abnormally shaped hip bones, not much can be done to prevent the occurrence of FAI.
The number of people that suffer from FAI is unknown. Some individuals with FAI may live long and active lives without any problems. However, when symptoms do arise, it typically means that there is damage to the labrum or cartilage and the condition is likely to worsen.
As people who are athletic may use the hip joint more aggressively, they may feel pain sooner than less active individuals. However, exercise is not a cause for the development of FAI.
Symptoms
Common FAI symptoms are as follows:
- Stiffness
- Pain
- Limping
The patient often experiences pain in the groin region, but they may also feel pain toward the outside of the hip. Twisting, turning and squatting may cause sudden, sharp pain. At times, the pain is merely a dull ache.
Surgical Treatment
The doctor may recommend surgery to the patient if tests indicate damage due to FAI and the nonsurgical treatments are unable to address the pain.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic surgery can treat multiple FAI problems. The surgeon will use tiny incisions and thin instruments to perform arthroscopic procedures. They will use a small camera, known as an arthroscope, to see inside the hip.
During an arthroscopy procedure, the surgeon can repair or clean out any damage to the articular cartilage and labrum. They can treat the FAI by trimming the bony rim of the acetabulum. They may also shave down the bump on the femoral head.
Some serious cases warrant an open surgery with a more significant incision to achieve this.
Long-Term Results
Impingement-related symptoms can be effectively addressed by surgery. Impingement correction will prevent further hip joint damage. But surgery cannot correct all the damage, especially if the treatment has been delayed leading to severe damage. It is likely that more issues may occur in the future.
There is a minor chance that the surgery may not be effective. However, it is presently the best technique available to address painful FAI.
Future Developments
As the outcomes of surgery improve, physicians will likely recommend FAI surgery sooner. Surgical techniques are witnessing continual advancement. Surgeons may be aided by artificial intelligence in the future in treating and reshaping the hip.
Experienced orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan receives patients from North Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for hip arthroscopy surgery.
Dr. Tigran Garabekyan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation. To learn more about Southern California Hip Institute or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us or call:
North Hollywood: 818.755.6500
Century City / Los Angeles: 310.595.1030
Serving patients in Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, West Hollywood, Century City, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and other neighboring cities in the greater Los Angeles, California area.
Also visit http://www.drgorthopedics.com/