Hip Impingement (FAI) & Labral Tears
A plain-language overview of hip impingement, labral tears, and hip arthroscopy.
- Where
- Hip (ball, socket, and labrum)
- Common signs
- Groin pain, clicking, catching
- Options
- Therapy or hip arthroscopy
- Urgent?
- Severe pain, deformity, fever, or numbness: seek care promptly.
Overview
In femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), extra bone along the ball (cam) or the rim of the socket (pincer) of the hip causes the bones to pinch during movement. Over time this can damage the labrum and cartilage.
Adapted from AAOS OrthoInfo, the patient education site of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and rewritten in plain language.
Anatomy
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint where the top of the thighbone (femoral head) fits into the pelvis (acetabulum). The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the socket that helps seal and stabilize the joint.
Causes
- Hip bone shape that develops during growth (cam, pincer, or both)
- Repeated deep bending and twisting in sports such as hockey, soccer, and dance
- A labral tear from injury or repetitive motion
Symptoms
- Pain in the groin or front of the hip
- Pain with sitting, bending, getting in and out of a car, or after activity
- Stiffness or limited motion
- Clicking, catching, or locking
Doctor exam & imaging
Your doctor will check hip motion and do impingement tests that bring the hip into flexion and rotation. X-rays show the shape of the ball and socket, and an MRI (sometimes with contrast) shows the labrum and cartilage. A numbing injection may help confirm the hip as the pain source.
Treatment
Nonsurgical treatment
Treatment often starts with activity changes, physical therapy to improve hip and core strength and movement patterns, anti-inflammatory medicine, and sometimes an injection.
Surgical treatment
If symptoms continue, hip arthroscopy can reshape the extra bone and repair or reconstruct the labrum through small incisions. Results tend to be better when significant arthritis has not yet developed.
Recovery & return to activity
After hip arthroscopy, crutches are often used for a short period, followed by a staged physical therapy program. Return to sports is gradual and usually takes several months.
When to seek care
- Hip pain that limits walking or sleeping
- Locking or catching that keeps recurring
- Sudden severe pain or inability to bear weight after an injury
In an emergency, call 911.