What is hip impingement?
Impingement usually occurs because the hip does not form as a perfect ball and socket during childhood. Either the ball is not properly round, causing CAM impingement; or the socket has extra bone extending out beyond the normal rim, causing PINCER impingement. In many cases, there are elements of both cam and pincer impingement present. FAI leads to the cartilage and labrum being pinched or squeezed between the abnormal ball and socket, limiting movement and causing pain. Over time, this action can result in the tearing of the labrum and breakdown of articular cartilage. Eventually, progression of this damage can lead to arthritis of the hip joint.