Hip (Femoroacetabular) Impingement Operation

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition where the bones of the hip joint come too close, causing them to collide, resulting in pain, cartilage damage, and limited mobility. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) occurs when the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) and femoral neck come into contact with the acetabulum (the socket of the hip), causing friction and damage. This friction can cause injury to the labrum, a type of fibrous cartilage that acts as a cushion and stabilizer around the hip socket, and the articular cartilage, which covers the bony surfaces of the joint and provides a smooth surface for the joint to move. Over time, this damage can lead to pain, limited mobility, and a higher risk of arthritis.

FAI symptoms can range from mild to more noticeable discomfort, and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. The most common symptom is pain or aching in the groin or inner hip area, especially after activities like walking or prolonged sitting. Individuals with femoroacetabular impingement may also experience a locking, clicking, or catching sensation within the joint. In addition to hip pain, other symptoms include difficulty performing everyday tasks like putting on socks or shoes, trouble walking uphill, and low back pain. The pain can sometimes radiate to the lower back, sacroiliac joint (SI joint), buttocks, or the greater trochanter on the side of the hip. Since these symptoms overlap with other conditions, FAI is often misdiagnosed as hip flexor tendinitis, issues with the spine or discs, testicular pain, or sports hernia.

FAI generally occurs in two forms: Cam and Pincer. The Cam form occurs when the femoral head is aspherical, not perfectly round, leading to abnormal contact between the head and the socket during movement. The Pincer form occurs when there is excessive coverage of the femoral head by the acetabulum, usually at the front-top rim of the socket. This over-coverage results in the labral cartilage being pinched between the socket’s rim and the femoral head, causing pain and damage. Pincer impingement is commonly associated with retroversion, where the acetabulum is angled backward, or it may be due to a socket that is too deep. Both forms of impingement can occur simultaneously.

The root cause of FAI is a bony abnormality in the hip joint that cannot be corrected with physical therapy or rest. FAI can also occur when there are bone spurs on the femoral head and/or acetabulum, either due to bone overgrowth or present at birth. In particular, the femoral head may develop extra bone around its neck, or the acetabulum may grow too much bone along its rim. While the labrum or articular cartilage have limited ability to heal, not all injuries cause pain. For those with persistent symptoms, the initial treatment may involve rest and rehabilitation, but if symptoms persist, arthroscopic surgery might be necessary.

Femoroacetabular impingement, FAI, is particularly common in high-level athletes but can affect active individuals across various age groups and genders. The Cam type is most frequently seen in young male athletes in their 20s, while the Pincer type is more commonly found in athletically active women in their 30s and 40s.

Sports associated with FAI are typically those involving repetitive motions or extreme hip flexion, such as martial arts, ballet, cycling, rowing, golf, tennis, soccer, football, ice hockey, baseball, lacrosse, field hockey, rugby, and water polo.

FAI surgery can be done through hip arthroscopy and requires general anaesthesia. Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where small incisions, typically ¼ inch in size, are made to insert a camera, allowing the surgeon to treat joint damage like labral tears and cartilage issues.

FAI surgery takes about 1 to 2 hours. You will need to use crutches for at least a week to protect the hip joint and reduce the risk of putting unnecessary weight on the operated leg.

• You will need crutches for 1 to 2 weeks to help protect the hip joint and avoid stress on the surgery site. After approximately four weeks, you should be able to gradually bear weight on your hip.
• Physical therapy will be a key component in the recovery process and may last from a few weeks to several months, depending on your healing progress.
• Patients will rely on their crutches during recovery and full recovery usually takes 2 to 4 but returning to more vigorous exercises such as sports generally takes around 4 to 6 months depending on the type of the procedure performed and your individual progress.
• Recovery time after FAI treatment will depend on the surgeon’s post-operative recommendation, and the condition of the hip joint when the surgery was performed.
• Pain management and following post-surgical instructions are crucial for a smooth recovery.

• After hip surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) focus on maintaining proper posture, core stabilization, and hip strength.
• Aggressive stretching that induces discomfort should be avoided.
• Key exercises for post-surgery rehabilitation include quadruped lumbar flexion and extension (good in weeks 3–4), active prone hamstring curls to regain motor control, and active prone terminal knee extensions to help facilitate proper glute and quad activation. Other exercises like stool rotations (post-week 3), supine abduction (for gluteus medius strength), and seated butterfly (to stretch the groin) are beneficial.
• At Prospero medical, we provide continuous follow-up care for up to a year after surgery, this incudes patients who have returned to their home countries. In case of any problems or discomfort, it’s crucial that patients reach out to our clinic first before consulting any third party professionals.

Turkey stands out as the leading destination for medical tourism but also for its rich historical heritage and warm hospitality. When considering hip impingement operation, Turkey presents numerous advantages over receiving the same treatment privately in one’s home country. Turkey’s personalized after-care service is deeply influenced by the country’s renowned hospitality, making recovery more comfortable and supportive. The affordability of medical procedures in Turkey, paired with the high quality of care, offers a unique value-for-money equation. Furthermore, the country’s serene environment and the opportunity to incorporate physiotherapy into the treatment plan allow for a more holistic and speedy recovery, making Turkey an attractive option for those seeking both quality and affordability in their medical care. Some key benefits of choosing Turkey for hip impingement operation surgery are:

• The country boasts highly skilled surgeons with deep expertise and a long-standing tradition of excellence in orthopedic medicine.
• State-of-the-art private hospitals with cutting-edge medical technology.
• After your surgery, you’ll experience personalized care that blends professional medical support with the renowned warmth and hospitality unique to Turkey, making your recovery process smoother and more comfortable.
• The cost of surgery in Turkey is often significantly lower than in other countries, with competitive pricing that delivers excellent value while maintaining high standards of care.
• An ideal recovery setting, where orthopedic care is paired with physiotherapy sessions to help speed up recovery and enhance overall outcome.

Selecting the right clinic for surgery involves carefully evaluating several important factors. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the flood of commercial ads and social media promotions, but a well-thought-out approach can help you make an informed decision. What criteria should guide your clinic selection process?

• Choose clinics that provide clear, unbiased medical guidance, ensuring your treatment options are discussed without any commercial influence.
• The best clinics invest time in building a personal connection with each patient, demonstrating genuine care, understanding, and a commitment to managing expectations.
• Patient care must be holistic, addressing both physical safety and emotional comfort. This includes minimizing risks, offering state-of-the-art equipment, and ensuring a calm, supportive environment for recovery.

A realistic price estimation or monetary appraisal of the treatment should be based on a careful review of the following factors:

• The clinic’s reputation within the medical community.
• More complex surgeries may require higher costs due to specialized skills and equipment.
• A clinic’s after-care plan should be tailored to your recovery needs, offering follow-up consultations, rehabilitation services, and ongoing support.
• The surgeon’s credentials.
• A transparent contract that defines clinical liabilities, setting clear expectations and protections for the patient.