Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) – Hip Impingement Treatment in Bethesda & Tysons

Understanding Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

Femoroacetabular Impingement, or hip impingement, occurs when extra bone growth develops on one or both of the hip joint bones — the ball (femoral head) and the socket (acetabulum). These irregular bone shapes cause the bones to rub together during movement, leading to friction, cartilage damage, and labral tears over time.
Patients often experience deep hip or groin pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion, especially when sitting, bending, or twisting. If left untreated, FAI can progress to early hip arthritis and long-term joint damage.

At OrthoBethesda, our fellowship-trained orthopedic hip specialists in Bethesda, Maryland, and Tysons, Virginia, diagnose and treat all types of hip impingement to relieve pain and preserve joint function.

How Is FAI Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a detailed physical examination, where your orthopedic surgeon will evaluate hip movement and test for pain with specific maneuvers. To confirm the diagnosis and identify any cartilage or labral damage, advanced imaging such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be used.
Our team uses state-of-the-art imaging and motion analysis to determine the exact cause of your symptoms and tailor your treatment plan accordingly.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Most patients start with conservative treatments designed to relieve pain and improve mobility:

• Anti-inflammatory medication: Prescription or over-the-counter NSAIDs help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
• Activity modification: Avoiding deep squats, pivoting, or high-impact sports can prevent further irritation.
• Physical therapy: Targeted exercises strengthen hip stabilizers, restore range of motion, and reduce strain on the labrum and cartilage.

Our physical therapists at OrthoBethesda specialize in hip preservation therapy, helping patients delay or avoid surgery when possible.

When Surgery Is Recommended

If non-surgical care does not provide relief and imaging shows joint damage, your surgeon may recommend hip arthroscopy or, in severe cases, open surgery.

Arthroscopic Hip Surgery

This minimally invasive procedure uses small incisions and a high-definition camera to access the joint. During surgery, your doctor can:

• Repair or remove torn labral tissue
• Smooth or reshape damaged cartilage
• Trim excess bone from the femoral head or acetabulum to prevent further impingement

Arthroscopy allows for faster recovery, less pain, and minimal scarring compared to traditional open surgery.

Hip Preservation & Recovery

Following treatment, most patients participate in a personalized rehabilitation plan focusing on flexibility, core strength, and gradual return to activity. Early intervention and proper rehab can significantly improve hip function and reduce the risk of arthritis later in life.

Further Reading

Anterior vs. Posterior Hip Replacement

How to Sleep After Total Hip Replacement Surgery