Editorial Commentary: Femoroacetabular Impingement and Open Physes-To Operate or Not to Operate? Is That the Only Question?

Abstract

Our clinical understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) have improved tremendously over the past 2 decades. However, we still have major questions to answer when it comes to the exact etiology of FAI and the role played by intense adolescent athletic activity in the development of FAI. In a society in which there is increasing sports specialization in young people and also rising rates of overuse injuries, the balance between surgical intervention and early preventive measures has yet to be clearly defined. Although we may be able to "safely" treat FAI surgically and provide clinical improvement for these patients, the question remains: Are we addressing with surgery a condition that could be prevented with earlier precautionary measures? It is our responsibility to answer that question for our patients.