What is Hip Impingement?
Hip impingement, also known as femoracetabular impingement, involves irregularities in the bones of the hip that prevent the ball from fitting normally in its socket. It is caused by abnormal development of the hip joint during the childhood growing years. This results in friction with hip motion that can damage the joint over time.
Symptoms of Hip Impingement
Many patients with hip impingement experience pain in the groin or thigh region. Patients also commonly report stiffness and pain, clicking or catching with hip motion. Because of the friction within the hip joint, patients with impingement have a higher likelihood of developing hip arthritis over time.
Diagnosis of Hip Impingement
Hip impingement is diagnosed with a combination of physical examination and imaging studies. These tests can help rule out other conditions that lead to similar symptoms.
Treatments for Hip Impingement
Managing hip impingement begins with non-invasive measures. These include anti-inflammatory medicines, ice or heat, maintaining a healthy weight and low impact forms of exercise, such as walking, cycling and swimming. Physical therapy may also be prescribed to safely improve range of motion and stability. In young patients with debilitating symptoms, hip arthroscopy may be recommended. Surgery to replace the hip is considered in the setting of longstanding hip impingement resulting in severe activity-limiting arthritis.