Femoroacetabular Impingement: Femoral Morphology and Correction

Femoroacetabular impingement is a well-known cause of hip pain in the adolescent and adult population. It is characterized by an atypical morphology of the femoral head and neck junction that often occurs with concomitant altered anatomy of the acetabulum. The resulting abnormal contact during hip motion has been shown to lead to hip pain with limitations in hip range of motion and the development of labral pathology, chondral damage, and early-onset arthritis. Diagnosis requires a focused physical examination in addition to both plain radiographs and advanced imaging. Nonoperative management has a limited role in the treatment of hip pain in the setting of altered anatomy and symptomatic impingement. Surgical treatment initially involved open surgical hip dislocation; however, arthroscopic surgery has become the increasingly preferred technique.