Femoroacetabular Impingement Explained: Groin Pain, Labral Tears, Best Exercises & Surgery

Discover how to recognize, diagnose, and treat femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome to protect hip health and prevent early osteoarthritis. FAI is a common cause of groin pain in active young to middle-aged adults caused by abnormal contact between the femoral head–neck junction and the acetabular rim (CAM, pincer, or mixed morphologies). This video explains the pathophysiology, classic symptoms—like the C-sign and pain worsened by hip flexion and internal rotation—plus associated clicking, catching, or limited sports participation.

You’ll learn how clinicians diagnose FAI using the FADIR exam and imaging tools: AP pelvic and lateral hip X-rays to detect CAM bumps or acetabular overcoverage, MRI/MR arthrogram for labral and cartilage evaluation, and CT for 3D pre-surgical planning. The video contrasts FAI with other causes of groin pain (dysplasia, avascular necrosis, stress fracture, or extra-articular sources) and shows why a careful history plus targeted imaging matters.

Understand non-surgical strategies—activity modification, physiotherapy for core strength and hip mobility, NSAIDs, and diagnostic/therapeutic intra-articular steroid injections—and when to consider hip arthroscopy. Surgical options such as femoral osteoplasty, acetabular rim trimming, and labral repair are covered, along with prognosis: good outcomes are likely when intervention occurs before advanced osteoarthritis.

Packed with practical clinical insights and clear diagnostic pathways, this video equips patients and clinicians to identify FAI early and choose effective treatments to restore function and delay joint degeneration. Watch to learn actionable steps for diagnosis, conservative care, and when to refer for surgery.