Hip impingement

Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), occurs when the bones of the hip joint rub against each other during movement instead of gliding smoothly. This friction can lead to pain, stiffness and gradual damage to the cartilage that cushions the joint. With an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan, many people find lasting relief and return to the activities they enjoy.

Find a specialist

Find a location

Anatomical illustration showing hip and upper thigh muscles including the adductor group.

Anatomy of the hip

The hip is a strong, weight-bearing ball-and-socket joint where the rounded head of the thigh bone (femur) fits into the cup-shaped socket of the pelvis (acetabulum). A layer of smooth cartilage covers the joint surfaces, allowing the hip to move freely during walking, running and rotation.

With hip impingement, changes in the shape of the bones disrupt this smooth motion. The femur and acetabulum rub against each other during movement, which can irritate the labrum, a ring of cartilage that helps stabilize the joint, and speed up wear on the joint over time. There are three main types of hip impingement: cam impingement, where the femoral head is slightly misshapen and catches on the socket; pincer impingement, where the socket covers too much of the femoral head and causes repeated contact at the joint's edge; and combined impingement, a mix of both types and the most common presentation.

Overview

Symptoms

You may be experiencing hip impingement if you notice:

Deep pain in the front of the hip or groin
Discomfort that worsens with sitting, bending or twisting
Hip stiffness or reduced flexibility
Clicking, catching or locking sensations in the joint
Decreased range of motion or weakness in the hip

Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen with continued activity, so early evaluation is important.

Causes

Hip impingement can result from a variety of factors, including:

Natural differences in bone shape present from birth
Repetitive hip motion in sports such as soccer, hockey or dance
Previous hip injuries or labral tears
Structural hip conditions that developed during childhood
Long-term wear and stress on the joint

FAI can affect people of all ages, but it's most often diagnosed in active teens and adults who place repeated demands on the hip joint.

Risk factors

Certain factors may increase your likelihood of developing hip impingement, though having one or more of these does not mean you'll develop the condition:

Participation in sports involving repetitive hip movement or deep flexion
A family history of hip conditions or joint irregularities
Previous hip injury or surgery
Structural differences in the hip that developed during growth

Your care team can help you understand how your individual risk factors relate to your symptoms.

Diagnosis

Our orthopedic specialists take a patient-centered approach to diagnosing hip impingement. Your evaluation includes a review of your symptoms and medical history along with a physical examination to assess movement, strength and flexibility.

Imaging studies may include X-rays to evaluate bone structure, an MRI or MR arthrogram to assess the cartilage and labrum, or a CT scan for a more detailed three-dimensional view when needed. We explain your results clearly so you understand your condition and your options moving forward.

View treatment options

We offer leading-edge treatments for most joint medicine conditions, treating many with medications, bracing, injections and therapy.

Explore treatments