There is a concerning lack of data comparing surgical with non-surgical management of femoroacetabular impingement
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of groin pain in physically active young adults, accompanied by limited hip movements. It occurs when bony anatomical abnormalities of the femoral head-neck junction (cam deformity) and acetabular rim (pincer deformity) result in abnormal contact between the two joint surfaces during hip motion. Radiological evidence of FAI is present in about 25% of asymptomatic young adults in the general community.1 FAI increases the risk of end-stage hip osteoarthritis (OA) in later life and is a long term risk factor for joint replacement;2 it may be very disabling. The quality of life of young adults with FAI is comparable to that of older adults who had a total hip replacement for OA.3
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Andrew Teichtahl is the recipient of a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Early Career Fellowship (no. 1073284). Yuanyuan Wang is the recipient of an NHMRC Career Development Fellowship (Clinical Level 1, no. 1065464).
No relevant disclosures.