Femoroacetabular impingement

Abstract

Arthritis of the hip is a common cause of chronic disability. Although traditionally perceived as a condition occurring in the elderly, the detection of early hip arthritis in the young population must not be overlooked. The detection of subtle anatomical abnormalities giving rise to hip pain continues to pose a challenge. Recently, femoroacetabular impingement has been recognized as an etiological risk factor for early arthritis and hip pain in the young adult. The recent advances in imaging technology and the potential for joint-preserving surgical procedures allow early diagnosis and potentially better delivery of care to these patients. It is hence imperative that all those in the musculoskeletal community involved in the management of these young patients be familiar with this relatively common condition.