Dallas Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgeon

Femoroacetabular impingement occurs when abnormal bone growth on the femur (cam impingement), acetabulum (pincer impingement), or both causes abnormal impact and excessive friction in the hip joint. Impingement can be painful and lead to restricted hip movement, but it can also damage the ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip sockets, commonly referred to as the labrum, sometimes resulting in a hip labral tear or damage to the labral cartilage and articular cartilage (the smooth white surface).

It is important to note that over time, this repetitive abnormal contact within the hip joint can lead to the development of osteoarthritis, a form of bone breakdown trauma and degenerative joint disease that causes chronic pain and stiffness, significantly impacting mobility and quality of life. Patients with ongoing hip pain, walking groin pain, or hip difficulty may also be evaluated for related hip conditions such as hip inflammatory arthritis diagnosis, hip arthritis, or trochanteric bursitis, depending on symptoms and physical exam findings.

Anatomy of a hip condition checked by a Dallas Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgeon

Treatment Options & Procedure

It is important to note that before considering surgery, many individuals with FAI may find relief through conservative treatment measures. These non-surgical approaches focus on managing pain and improving hip function, offering pain relief and improved mobility, but probably won’t correct the underlying abnormal biomechanics of the hip causing the FAI. Common conservative options include but are not limited to; activity modification, rest activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, pain medication, and injections. While these methods may not correct the underlying bone abnormalities, such as cam and pincer forms or bony irregularities, they can often alleviate symptoms; this can thereby allow individuals to maintain an active lifestyle until seeing a practitioner or surgeon.

When conservative methods fail, FAI surgical treatment typically includes hip arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgery performed arthroscopically through tiny incisions using surgical instruments to correct abnormal bone contact by reshaping the bone—often the femoral head or acetabulum rim—and repairing the labral tissue, the lining of the socket. Efficient recovery following hip arthroscopy depends on your adherence to guidance from your Dallas femoroacetabular impingement doctor. Below are some general guidelines to aid in your recovery from hip arthroscopy, but you may also receive specific instructions from your doctor, which should always take precedence.

FAQS on Femoroacetabular Impingement FAI

FAI is primarily caused by abnormal bone shapes in the hip joint, including cam impingement (excess bone on the femur) and pincer impingement (excess bone on the acetabulum). This leads to abnormal contact during hip movement, specifically the femur and acetabulum impact, resulting in repeated friction in the hip and acetabulum rub that disrupts normal hip function and range of hip motion.

Research has found that individuals who participate in activities that involve repetitive hip movements, such as sports with frequent pivoting or squatting, may be at increased risk. It is also important to note that FAI can also be related to skeletal growth during adolescence.

Common symptoms of FAI to look out for include, but are not limited to: pain in the groin area, hip, or outer thigh area, often described as a sharp or even a dull ache (which may worsen with prolonged sitting, standing, or specific movements like squatting, rotating the hip, or hip activity complaints).

FAI is typically diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination, or where a femoroacetabular impingement specialist performs specific hip movements to check for pain, catching sensation, and limited motion, as well as imaging tests— this can include X-rays and MRI scans; thereby helping to visualize the bone structure and soft tissues, including any bone spurs, torn cartilage, or labral tears contributing to the condition.

If left untreated, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) can lead to progressive damage to the labrum (cartilage ring in the hip socket) and the articular cartilage (smooth cartilage covering the bones), causing bone on bone friction and decreased range of motion — this can prove troublesome as it can eventually result in hip osteoarthritis, a common long-term consequence of FAI and a significant hip pain risk factor!

What to Eat or Drink Following Your Surgical Procedure

To minimize gastrointestinal discomfort, stick to light, easy-to-digest foods like plain rice, broth, and oatmeal for the first 48 hours following your surgical treatment.
As you ease back into your regular diet, minimize heavy, greasy foods.
Drink plenty of water or electrolyte drinks to maintain adequate hydration.

Caring for Incisions

On postoperative day 5, you may remove the surgical dressing that was placed during your procedure. You may place bandaids over the incision sites at this time.
You may experience swelling and minor bleeding around the incision site. This is normal. If your dressing becomes saturated, do not remove it. Instead, cover it with sterile gauze and contact our office.
You may shower 5 days after your hip surgery and get your incisions wet as long as the wounds are dry and not draining. Let the water run down over the incisions, but do not rub or scrub them. Do not allow the incision area to become immersed in water. Avoid baths, pools, or hot tubs until cleared by your doctor.
Do not apply creams, lotions, ointments or other skincare products on or around the incision area.
Your stitches or sutures will be removed within 1-2 weeks following your surgery. You may begin showering without covering the surgical site at that time unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Pain and Medication Guidelines

*The following are general aftercare guidelines for the use of medications. Your doctor will provide specific instructions as they pertain to your health, prescriptions and procedure.

Numbing medication (anesthesia) will begin to wear off within 6-10 hours following your surgery. You may notice pain and discomfort peaking around day 2-3, especially in the hip, groin or thigh.
Take all prescribed pain medications as directed. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
You may experience drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and constipation while taking prescription pain medications. If these side effects become severe, contact our office.
Operating vehicles or machinery is prohibited while using prescription pain medication due to impaired function and safety concerns.
If you are at risk of developing blood clots, let your doctor know. You may be prescribed a low-dose aspirin regimen to reduce these risk factors during recovery.
Mobility

Your Mobility Following FAI Surgery

As with other hip injuries, surgery will affect your mobility. Below are some general guidelines for safe movement during recovery:

For the first week, rest with your operative leg elevated slightly to reduce swelling and pressure on the joint. Use pillows under your knee or calf for support—but never directly under your hip.
Use crutches or a walker as directed. Depending on how your procedure was performed, you may have weight-bearing restrictions, such as partial weight-bearing or toe-touch weight-bearing.
Avoid activities that may stress your hip, including deep squatting, twisting or prolonged weight-bearing, during the first 1-2 weeks.
Avoid low seats and sitting with the hip flexed beyond 90 degrees. Do not cross your legs or rotate your hip outward for at least 4-6 weeks.
Do not attempt to drive until cleared by your doctor.
Most patients can return to work after one week. Discuss workplace accommodations with your employer to avoid weight-bearing on the operative side.

Proper Usage of Your Brace and Crutches

Use crutches or a walker as prescribed for 2-6 weeks according to your doctor’s guidance.
Do not attempt to make adjustments to this equipment without guidance from our office.
Do not discontinue use of supportive aids until cleared to do so by your doctor.

Use a Cold Pack for Swelling

You may begin cold therapy following surgery to manage swelling and pain. Apply a cold pack, ice or prescribed cooling device to the operative area for 20-30 minutes every 2-3 hours. Continue cold therapy for the first week to reduce swelling.
Always use a protective barrier, such as a towel or cloth, between the cold source and your skin to prevent frostbite.

Movement and Stretching Guidelines

You can begin prescribed exercises like ankle pumps and quadriceps contractions within 24-48 hours following your surgery or as directed by your doctor. Avoid active flexion, rotation or abduction.

Mild discomfort or stiffness is expected during the early recovery phase.

Perform prescribed exercises 2-3 times daily to promote circulation and prevent stiffness in the lower leg.

Regular ankle movements throughout the day may reduce the risk of blood clot formation.

To schedule physical therapy, contact our office. We can help you set up an appointment according to your doctor’s post-operative instructions.

CALL US IF…

Reach out right away if you notice:

214 265 3271

Severe, persistent pain that does not improve with medication or radiates through your upper arm.
Fever, chills, infection, redness, off-color discharge.
Severe swelling, tingling, numbness or skin discoloration, particularly in the hand, fingers or forearm.
Respiratory distress or chest discomfort.
Bleeding or persistent fluid leakage at the incision site.

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