What’s New in Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgery

Abstract

Context: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has been described as a common cause of hip pain in young adults. This leads to abnormal hip joint mechanics and contact pressures. The associated pathomechanics can lead to the development of early osteoarthritis. Better understanding of the anatomy and pathophysiology, biomechanics, and diagnostic and therapeutic advances has led to improved clinical outcomes. A growing body of evidence has set the foundation for future progress in the treatment of this commonly encountered condition. Evidence Acquisition: The PubMed database was searched for English-language articles pertaining to FAI over the past 15 years (1998-2013). Study Design: Retrospective literature review. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Results: The authors evaluated and discussed the current evidence regarding the anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, imaging, and clinical outcomes of surgical intervention for FAI. Based on this information, future directions for improving the diagnosis and management of FAI are proposed. Conclusion: There remains a diverse approach to the diagnosis and management of cam- and/or pincer-type FAI. Recent advances in clinical diagnosis, imaging, indications, and arthroscopic techniques have led to improved outcomes and have set the foundation for future progress in the management of this condition. Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT): B