Hip impingement

Room to move again
Pain in the hip area is often caused as a result of wear and tear to the hip joint. However, in some instances a common cause of hip pain is hip impingement. There are several possible causes of hip impingement, including a misshapen femoral head or neck, or a hip socket that covers too much of the femoral head. The acetabular cup houses the femoral head, which should be round but when it is more of an oval shape, it can cause the bone of the femur to make contact with the edge of the cup (impingement). So essentially when the femoral head and the acetabular cup do not fit together as they should, hip impingement occurs.Our experienced consultants here at Schoen Clinic specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of hip impingement. If the cause of the pain is determined early, further damage can be avoided, such as subsequent joint wear in the hip.
Impingement of the hip: What types are there?
A distinction is made between two types of hip joint damage:
- Pincer impingement:
- Cam impingement:
Diagnosis: How we diagnose hip impingement
To begin with, we carry out an in-depth consultation regarding the pain you are experiencing followed, by a comprehensive physical examination. In addition, we perform imaging procedures such as X-rays and MRI scans.
Helping your joint to function again
Exercises and medication can provide short-term relief from your symptoms. If there is no improvement despite intensive treatment, surgery may help in the long-term. Our experts specialise in impingement treatment and use the latest surgical techniques.

Impingement treatment: Treatment without surgery
If the damage to the bone and cartilage is not yet too severe, we will attempt to treat your condition conservatively. This can involve a limit on sporting activities, and treatment with medication. We also add in physiotherapy to strengthen your muscles and to improve your mobility.
Hip impingement surgery
An alternative to more major hip impingement surgery is hip joint arthroscopy, especially in cases of cam impingement. With this procedure, a small incision is made and a probe carrying a camera is inserted into the joint. This documents any damage such as a tear to the acetabular rim. Using minimally invasive surgical techniques, our surgeon is then able to repair the rim. Overgrowth of the cartilage or small deformities of the bone in the pelvis or on the femur can also be removed. The special tools used mean that the surgeon can also remodel the femoral neck to its correct shape, restoring joint function and ease of mobility.
With pincer impingement, the edge of the cup is moved further inwards. The bony ring that occurred at the point of the original joint lip is removed.
Follow-up treatment after hip impingement surgery
Following hip impingement surgery, you must only partially weight-bear on your hip for up to four weeks in order to avoid fracturing the femoral neck. However, for a period of approximately six weeks you should use walking aids so as not to jeopardise the healing process. During this time, your hip will be mobilised and strengthened with treatments such as physiotherapy. Three months after the procedure, your joint should be fully functional again.
Hip impingement: Our specialists
Hip impingement: Our specialised hospital
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Schoen Clinic Orthopaedic and Spinal Hospital London
Schoen Clinic Orthopaedic and Spinal Hospital London
66 Wigmore Street
London W1U 2SB
Tel: +44 20 3929 0801