FAI surgery is an arthroscopic procedure to reshape the bones of the hip joint that are causing impingement — where the ball and socket don't fit together smoothly, causing pain and damage to the labrum and cartilage.
The operation is performed arthroscopically with the leg in traction. Cam impingement is treated by shaving the bony bump on the femoral head-neck junction (osteochondroplasty). Pincer impingement is treated by trimming the overcovering rim of the socket. The labrum is usually repaired with suture anchors. The operation takes one and a half to two hours.
Surgery is recommended for symptomatic FAI with groin pain, limited hip movement, and MRI evidence of labral damage, when physiotherapy has not provided adequate relief.
Physiotherapy (particularly hip-specific rehabilitation), activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, and intra-articular injection.
MRI arthrogram and specialised hip X-rays. Pre-operative physiotherapy (prehabilitation) improves outcomes.
Reduction of groin pain and improvement in hip movement. Success rates are highest in patients with preserved joint cartilage. Approximately 85-90% of well-selected patients report good outcomes.
Temporary numbness in the groin or foot from traction. Resolves within days.
Bruising and soreness around the hip.
Some patients continue to have symptoms, particularly if cartilage damage was present.
Thigh numbness. Usually temporary.
Rare fracture from excessive bone reshaping. Risk reduced with careful technique.
Very rare damage to blood supply.
Joint infection approximately 0.5%.
Unwanted bone formation.
Scar tissue within the joint.
General anaesthesia with muscle relaxation for traction.
Crutches for two to six weeks depending on the procedure. Physiotherapy begins within the first week and continues for three to six months. Return to office work at one to two weeks. Return to sport at three to six months. Full recovery six to twelve months.
Reviews at two weeks, six weeks, and three months. Physiotherapy throughout.
FAI surgery is less successful in hips with significant arthritis. In these cases, hip replacement may be a more reliable option.
Yes, but usually at separate operations with recovery between.