What is FAI?
- FAI is a condition affecting the bony processes of the hip joint
- The Hip is a ball and socket joint comprised of:
- The head of the Femur (Ball)
- The Acetabulum (Socket)
- This joint type allows for large amounts of movement
- This can lead to instability or additional bone formation
- FAI occurs when there is a bony abnormality on 1 or both parts of the hip:
What can cause FAI?
- FAI can be caused by genetics
- There is new evidence showing that how you exercise in your youth can cause FAI
- Children still growing where their growth plate hasn’t sealed
- The angle of your hips/growth plates can be a factor
- More commonly formed in sports with deep squatting and twisting (Aussie Rules)
What are the Symptoms?
- Pain which commonly presents in the groin
- The pain may initially only be present with sport/activity
- Pain may be present with any activity that mimics a squat
- Sitting in a low chair, putting on shoes or socks etc.
- If untreated, FAI can cause major damage to the hip joint
- Labral tears, Cartilage damage, Arthritis etc
- Secondary problems eg osteitis pubis
How can it be treated?
- See a physiotherapist. Specific exercises are necessary to ensure your hip doesn’t get worse
- If the hip is damaged, or the deformity is too large, surgery may be indicated.
