Hip Impingement (FAI)

Hip Impingement (FAI): Non-Surgical Management in Palm Beach

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) occurs when abnormal contact between the ball and socket of the hip joint causes pinching of the labrum and cartilage with hip movement. It is a common source of groin pain in active adults and athletes, and if left untreated, can accelerate hip joint degeneration.

At Palm Beach Regenerative, Dr. Ghattas provides honest assessment of FAI, clearly distinguishing the structural component that drives impingement from the inflammatory component that can be addressed with orthobiologic treatment. Give us a call to schedule an appointment today.

What Is Hip Impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement)?

FAI occurs in two patterns: cam impingement, where the femoral head has an aspherical bony prominence, and pincer impingement, where the acetabulum overcoverage pinches the femoral head. Mixed patterns are common. During hip flexion or rotation, this abnormal morphology creates repetitive impact on the labrum and cartilage.

Signs and Symptoms

• Groin pain with hip flexion, including sitting, squatting, or getting out of a car
• The classic 'C sign': the patient cups the hand around the hip when indicating pain
• Pain with athletic activities requiring hip rotation
• Limited hip internal rotation
• Clicking or catching in the hip
• Low back pain from compensatory movement patterns

Common Causes and Risk Factors

• Bony morphological variation of the femoral head or acetabulum, often developmental
• More common in athletic individuals with high hip loading
• Associated with hip dysplasia in some cases

How It Is Diagnosed

X-ray identifies the FAI bony morphology. MRI with arthrogram is the most sensitive study for assessing labral and cartilage damage associated with impingement.

Dr. Ghattas reviews your imaging to assess the degree of structural impingement, labral damage, and cartilage involvement before discussing treatment options honestly.

Conventional Treatment Options

• Physical therapy for hip mobility and movement pattern correction
• Activity modification to avoid impingement positions
• Hip arthroscopy to reshape the bone (osteoplasty) and repair the labrum: The definitive treatment for structural FAI with significant labral damage

The Palm Beach Regenerative Approach

Orthobiologic treatment for FAI focuses on managing the inflammatory component within the hip joint and supporting the labral and cartilage tissues that have been damaged by repetitive impingement. This approach does not correct the underlying bony morphology.

For patients with mild structural impingement and early labral changes who wish to avoid or delay surgery, image-guided hip joint injection may provide meaningful symptomatic relief. For patients with significant structural impingement and complete labral tears, hip arthroscopy is the appropriate intervention and Dr. Ghattas will say so directly.

The BioMod Advantage: MLS Robotic Laser Therapy to the hip joint and surrounding musculature reduces intra-articular inflammation and hip flexor tightness that amplify FAI symptoms. Xymogen joint support and anti-inflammatory protocols create a favorable biological environment within the hip joint.

Like all medical procedures, orthobiologic treatments have potential risks and benefits. Results vary by individual. Not all patients are candidates. Dr. Ghattas will discuss your specific situation, realistic expectations, and all treatment options, including when surgery or other interventions may be more appropriate.

FAI is a structural condition. Orthobiologic treatment addresses the inflammatory component and may help manage symptoms but does not change the underlying bony morphology. Patients with significant impingement and labral damage may be better served by hip arthroscopy.