Risks and Complications for Patients with Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common but often overlooked hip condition that can lead to serious long-term complications, especially if left untreated. At Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA, we provide advanced, precision-guided treatment options—including robotic-assisted hip surgery—for patients in Los Angeles and surrounding areas suffering from FAI or its complications.

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with FAI or are experiencing symptoms that interfere with your mobility, understanding the risks and available treatments is key to preserving your joint health.

What Is Femoroacetabular Impingement?

FAI is a condition where extra bone growth—either on the femoral head (cam type), the acetabulum (pincer type), or both—creates abnormal contact between the hip bones. This can damage the labrum (the cartilage lining the hip socket) and limit the range of motion.

FAI typically develops in young adults and athletes, but can affect individuals of any age. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), FAI is one of the most common causes of hip pain and labral tears in active individuals under 50.

Why Does FAI Occur?

FAI often develops during adolescence when the bones are still growing. The abnormal bone shape may not cause immediate problems, but over time, repetitive motion or high-impact activities (like soccer, dance, or running) can lead to damage inside the joint.

Risk factors include:

• Genetics (family history of hip problems)
• High-impact sports during adolescence
• Hip abnormalities from childhood
• Improper bone development during growth

Symptoms of FAI

Some patients may have FAI for years without noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Deep groin pain, especially after sitting or activity
• Hip stiffness or reduced range of motion
• A clicking or locking sensation in the hip
• Pain that radiates to the thigh or buttocks
• Discomfort during twisting, squatting, or prolonged walking

Risks and Long-Term Complications

Even patients with no symptoms of FAI are at increased risk for developing hip osteoarthritis, especially if the condition goes undiagnosed or untreated. The abnormal contact between bones leads to gradual cartilage damage, labral tears, and inflammation.

Key complications include:

• Early-onset hip osteoarthritis
• Labral tears (which can worsen over time)
• Chronic hip pain and limited mobility
• Degenerative joint disease
• Reduced athletic performance or activity intolerance

Studies have shown that over 80% of patients with untreated FAI will eventually show signs of joint degeneration on imaging. Early detection and management are critical for long-term joint preservation.

Treatment Options at Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA

At our Los Angeles practice, we specialize in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted treatment options for FAI. The right treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the extent of damage inside the joint.

Non-Surgical Management:

• Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles
• Activity modification to reduce joint stress
• Anti-inflammatory medications for symptom relief
• Injections such as corticosteroids or platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

Surgical Options:

• For patients with persistent pain or structural damage, surgery may be recommended. We offer:
• Hip arthroscopy to repair labral tears and reshape the joint
• Robotic-assisted hip surgery for precision reshaping and long-term relief
• Hip preservation procedures to delay or prevent the need for joint replacement

Our robotic technology allows for greater accuracy and faster recovery times, minimizing the risk of complications and helping you return to your active lifestyle sooner.

Take Control of Your Hip Health Today

Femoroacetabular impingement may not always cause immediate pain, but the damage it can do to your joints is real—and treatable. If you live in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, or the surrounding areas and have been diagnosed with FAI or are experiencing unexplained hip pain, Dr. Farzin Kabaei and our team at Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA are here to help.

Schedule a consultation today and learn how robotic precision and expert care can protect your hip health and restore your mobility—for good.