Emerging Evidence of the Connection Between Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) and Osteoarthritis

At Southgate Physio, we are committed to providing our patients with the latest and most effective treatments by staying at the forefront of medical research. A significant area of interest is the relationship between femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and the development of osteoarthritis in young patients. Emerging evidence indicates that subtle morphological abnormalities around the hip, which lead to FAI, may play a significant role in the early onset of osteoarthritis. Understanding this connection is essential for early intervention and effective management.

Understanding Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

FAI occurs when there is abnormal contact between the femoral neck/head and the acetabular margin of the hip joint. The abnormal contact can be because of:

• Cam Impingement: An irregularity in the femoral head’s shape.
• Pincer impingement is the acetabulum’s over-coverage of the femoral head.
• A combination of pincer and cam impingements is called a combined impingement.

These structural abnormalities can lead to significant damage within the hip joint, particularly when the hip is in motion.

The Link to Osteoarthritis

Recent research indicates that FAI may be a risk factor for osteoarthritis, particularly in younger people. Here’s how:

• The ring of cartilage that encircles the hip socket which is called Labrum may tear as a result of the aberrant contact seen in FAI. Pain and instability in the joints can result from labral tears.
• Cartilage Avulsion: The underlying cartilage may rip away as a result of the labrum’s injury. This procedure makes the joint even more unstable.
• Continued Deterioration: The joint structures gradually deteriorate over time as a result of the ongoing aberrant contact and the resulting injury.
• Beginning of Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, which is typified by pain, stiffness, and a decreased range of motion, is ultimately brought on by this continuous damage.

Physiotherapy Management at Southgate Physio

At Southgate Physio, we are committed to providing comprehensive care for patients with FAI to prevent the progression to osteoarthritis.

Our approach includes:

Early Diagnosis:

• Detailed Assessment: A comprehensive clinical assessment to pinpoint FAI symptoms and possible risk factors.
• Imaging Referrals: In order to confirm the diagnosis and determine the degree of the impingement, we may, if required, refer patients for imaging examinations such as MRIs or X-rays.

Tailored Treatment Programmes:

• Pain Management: The use of techniques including ultrasound and heat treatment, as well as manual therapy and soft tissue mobilisation, to control pain and inflammation.
• Enhancing Flexibility and Reducing Stiffness: Joint mobilisations and stretching exercises to improve mobility.
• Exercises for Strengthening: Targeted strengthening of the hip, core, and auxiliary muscles to support and enhance the hip joint.
• Functional training is designed to imitate everyday activities and provide players with training that is unique to their sport.

Prevention and Education:

• Advice on how to change your activities to lessen the strain on your hip joint.
• Postural Training: Teaching patients how to keep their bodies in alignment and how to maintain good posture.
• Personalised home exercise regimens to support long-term hip health and supplement in-clinic therapy are available.

Long-Term Management:

• Consistent Monitoring: To guarantee the best results, treatment regimens should be continuously assessed and adjusted as necessary.
• Preventive Techniques: Educating patients on ways to reduce their chance of developing osteoarthritis by changing their lifestyle and taking preventative steps.

Summary

For early intervention and successful care, it is essential to comprehend the connection between FAI and osteoarthritis. Our mission at Southgate Physio is to support our patients in managing their FAI, reducing their pain, and delaying the development of osteoarthritis by offering individualised, evidence-based therapy. Get in touch with us right now to arrange an evaluation if you have been diagnosed with FAI or are suffering hip discomfort, and begin your path to better hip health.

If you want to know more, feel free to get in touch with us by calling 0208 3686767 or emailing us at info@southgatephysio.co.uk

Physiotherapy Services We Offer

Our clinic offers a wide range of treatments that are all recommended and tailored to everyone who comes and visits us. Our range of treatments complements the body and mind, helping to keep you pain and injury-free, delivering preventative measures to maintain your well-being and enhance your performance levels.

Our main aim is to restore your personal well-being so you can enjoy an active, healthy, and pain-free life. Click on any of the services to find out a little more about each treatment and understand if it might be right for you.

• Home Visit Physiotherapy
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation
• Musculoskeletal Injuries Treatment
• Pain Management
• Pilates
• Acupuncture
• Shockwave Therapy
• Theraflex
• Pre and Post Operative Rehabilitation
• Elderly Rehabilitation
• Sports Massage
• Online Video Consultation
• Sports Physiotherapy