Condition Focus
Hip Impingement (FAI)
Femoroacetabular impingement care for Cincinnati athletes and active adults — from diagnosis and non-operative management to arthroscopic cam/pincer correction and labral repair.
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) occurs when extra bone on the femoral head (cam), the acetabular rim (pincer), or both creates abnormal contact during hip motion. The repeated friction can tear the labrum and damage articular cartilage, leading to groin pain, stiffness, and early arthritis if left untreated.
At Cincinnati SportsMedicine and Orthopedics in Cincinnati, Dr. Mahmoud A. Masri evaluates FAI with a focused physical examination and advanced imaging. Treatment is matched to the type and severity of impingement, the condition of the labrum and cartilage, and the patient’s activity goals.
Symptoms that suggest FAI
- /Deep groin pain with flexion, squatting, or prolonged sitting
- /Catching, clicking, or a sense of hip stiffness
- /Pain with twisting, cutting, or rotational sports
- /Difficulty bringing the knee toward the chest
- /Pain that improves with rest but returns with activity
Diagnostic approach
Diagnosis starts with a detailed history and hip-specific examination, including impingement testing and range-of-motion assessment. Standing AP and lateral pelvis radiographs measure cam and pincer morphology, while MRI or MR arthrography reveal labral tears and cartilage injury that guide surgical planning.
Treatment options
Non-operative management
Activity modification, targeted physical therapy to improve hip mechanics and core control, and selective injections can be effective for mild or early cases and for patients who are not surgical candidates.
Arthroscopic FAI surgery
Through two to three small portals, the surgeon reshapes the femoral head-neck junction (cam osteoplasty) and/or trims the overhanging acetabular rim (pincer acetabuloplasty). The torn labrum is repaired or, when necessary, reconstructed to restore the hip seal. The capsule is closed to maintain stability.
Why patients see Dr. Masri for FAI
- /Dual fellowship training in hip preservation surgery and orthopedic sports medicine
- /High-volume hip arthroscopy practice focused on athletes and active individuals
- /Team physician experience with FC Cincinnati and regional collegiate programs
- /Published research on FAI outcomes, osteochondroplasty, and return-to-sport protocols
- /In-office and direct online scheduling through Mercy Health