Hip Impingement

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UT Southwestern Medical Center is ranked the No. 1 hospital for orthopedic care in Dallas-Fort Worth and among the best nationally by U.S. News & World Report.

Hip impingement is a common cause of hip pain and stiffness, especially in active adults.

At UT Southwestern Medical Center, orthopedic specialists offer early diagnosis and treatment to help relieve symptoms and protect the hip joint. Our goal is for patients to move better and enjoy their activities again. We design personalized care plans based on the severity of the impingement.

The image on the left shows a right hip with a CAM deformity – extra bone along the femoral neck makes the normally round femoral head less spherical. The image on the right shows a normal right hip, with a more rounded femoral head and a smooth transition between the femoral head and neck. — The image on the left shows a right hip with a CAM deformity, where there is extra bone along the femoral neck that makes the normally round femoral head less spherical. The image on the right shows a normal right hip for comparison, with a more rounded femoral head and a smooth transition between the femoral head and neck.

What Is Hip Impingement?

Hip impingement, also called femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), is a condition in which abnormal contact occurs between the hip socket and the top of the thigh bone.

This repeated contact can damage cartilage and the labrum, a ring of tissue that helps stabilize the hip joint. Over time, hip impingement can limit motion and may increase the risk of hip arthritis.

What Are the Types of Hip Impingement?

Femoroacetabular impingement is classified based on where abnormal bone shape develops. Some people have more than one type.

Cam impingement: Extra bone forms on the ball of the hip joint, causing it to rub against the socket during movement.
Pincer impingement: Extra bone extends over the rim of the hip socket, leading to pinching of the labrum.
Combined impingement: Features of both cam and pincer impingement are present.

Why Choose UT Southwestern for Hip Impingement Treatment?

UT Southwestern offers comprehensive care for femoroacetabular impingement, from diagnosis through advanced treatment. Our specialists treat the whole patient, focusing on overall health and only recommending surgery when absolutely necessary.

We create personalized treatment plans for each patient and use evidence-based techniques and advanced imaging to support accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and coordinated recovery. If surgery is needed, we offer the latest in arthroscopic hip approaches to provide patients with the best results.

Patients also benefit from:

Access to the latest nonsurgical and surgical treatments
Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists with advanced expertise in treating the full spectrum of hip conditions
Physicians with experience serving as team doctors for professional sports teams and elite athletes, with the advanced skills needed to maximize patient care and recovery
Care within a leading academic medical center recognized for orthopedic expertise and innovation

What Are the Symptoms of Hip Impingement?

Symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement may develop gradually and often worsen with activity or prolonged sitting. They include:

Pain in the groin, hip, or buttock
Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the hip
Pain during twisting, pivoting, or bending
Clicking, locking, or catching sensations in the hip
Discomfort after long periods of sitting

What Causes Hip Impingement?

Femoroacetabular impingement is usually related to abnormal bone development during growth. These shape differences can cause the hip bones to rub together during normal movement.

Other contributing factors may include:

Repetitive hip motion, especially in sports
Structural differences in the hip joint
Family history of hip conditions

How Is Hip Impingement Diagnosed?

We begin with a review of symptoms and a physical exam to assess hip movement and pain. Imaging tests may be used to help confirm the diagnosis and evaluate joint damage, including:

X-rays to identify abnormal bone shape
MRI scans to assess cartilage and labral injury
CT scans in some cases to provide detailed bone images

How Is Hip Impingement Treated?

Our team will develop a care plan for femoroacetabular impingement that depends on symptom severity, activity level, and the extent of joint damage. Many people improve with nonsurgical care.

Nonsurgical treatments may include:

Activity changes
Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility
Anti-inflammatory medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids
Image-guided injections for pain relief

Surgery may be considered when symptoms persist. Minimally invasive hip arthroscopy can reshape bone and repair damaged tissue. Surgery aims to reduce friction and preserve the hip joint.

What Support Services for Hip Impingement Does UT Southwestern Offer?

Physical therapist stretching a patient's hip and leg

UT Southwestern has a wide range of support services available to patients receiving either nonsurgical or surgical care for femoroacetabular impingement, including:

Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs
Pain management services
Education to support recovery and long-term joint health

What Clinical Trials Are Available for Hip Impingement?

UT Southwestern participates in a variety of clinical research studies focused on improving diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for hip conditions. Clinical trials may be available for eligible patients, offering access to emerging therapies and advanced techniques.

Ask our doctors about current studies or search for clinical trials.

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