Best treatment for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
Treatment for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) will depend on the severity of the condition, and at what stage of the healing process it is in. Femoroacetabular impingement is a condition that can cause significant hip pain and limited function. For more details on symptoms and common causes check out our previous blog here.
Conservative treatment for femoroacetabular impingement
Non-surgical options will usually be the priority and include a range of the following:
1. Activity modification to avoid positions that exacerbate impingement and subsequently pain.
2. Physiotherapy to improve hip range of motion, strengthen the supporting muscles and enhance balance and proprioception. It’s important that the exercise programme is progressive. You can take a look at how we progress through our three levels of rehab here.
3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation. See more here for information on over the counter pain relief.
4. Intra-articular injections- these can provide pain relief, help confirm the diagnosis, and stimulate on-going healing. At The Physios we offer several types of injections for FAI. See more details here.
Surgical treatment for femoroacetabular impingement
For many patients, these conservative measures can effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life. However, if nonsurgical treatments fail to provide adequate relief, surgery may be considered. If this is required, you will see an orthopaedic specialist and are likely to undergo further diagnostic tests such as x-rays and an MRI arthrogram.
Arthroscopic (key hole) surgery has become the preferred surgical approach for FAI. This minimally invasive procedure allows surgeons to:
- Repair or clean out damaged labrum and articular cartilage
- Correct impingement by trimming the bony rim of the acetabulum
- Reshape the femoral head to remove excess bone
Arthroscopic surgery has shown excellent results. It has lower complication and re-operation rates compared to open surgical techniques. In some severe cases, open surgery may be necessary. However, this is less common due to the effectiveness of arthroscopic techniques. Post-surgery, patients typically resume physiotherapy to optimise recovery.
In conclusion, while the best treatment for femoral acetabular impingement varies depending on individual circumstances, a combination of conservative measures has proven to be highly effective in managing this condition and improving patients’ quality of life. Failing that, arthroscopic surgery has also been proven to provide significant improvements. Either way, it’s important to note that early intervention is key. Treating FAI before significant cartilage damage occurs can lead to better long-term results and potentially prevent or delay the onset of osteoarthritis.
If you have any questions regarding femoroacetabular impingement or any other injury, you can book an appointment online here or call our friendly reception team on 0114 267 8181.
