Femoral Acetabular Impingement (FAI)

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) refers to an abnormal articulation and grinding of the femoral head against the acetabulum¹.

FAI is believed to contribute to acetabular labral tear (ALT) and/or chondrolabral injury¹.

Examination

Palpation

Palpation is generally unrevealing for patients with FAI but should be used to rule out other causes of pain including those from the spine, lateral hip, and pubic symphysis².

• TTP over Hip flexors can be indicative of hip flexor injury, irritation, or tendonitis as a cause of groin pain².
  • Intra-articular causes of groin pain are typically not palpable²

References

1.

Reiman MP, Goode AP, Cook CE, Hölmich P, Thorborg K. Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for the diagnosis of hip femoroacetabular impingement/labral tear: A systematic review with meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2015;49(12):811. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2014-094302

2.

Wong SE, Cogan CJ, Zhang AL. Physical Examination of the Hip: Assessment of Femoroacetabular Impingement, Labral Pathology, and Microinstability. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. 2022;15(2):38-52. doi:10.1007/s12178-022-09745-8