At Shoreline Orthopaedics, our orthopaedic surgeons use a truly collaborative approach so our patients have the benefit of multiple expert opinions, without having to go elsewhere to obtain them.
Shoreline Orthopaedics provides more comprehensive services, state-of-the-art options, technologies and techniques than anyone else in the area.
The following information is provided to help you understand what you can expect from us regarding policies and procedures, and also what is expected of you before and after treatment or procedures.
The following information is provided to help you gain a better understanding of anatomy, terminology, certain orthopaedic procedures, and more. If you have any questions, feel free to ask your physician.
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The socket is formed by a part of the large pelvis bone (acetabulum). The ball (femoral head) is the upper end of the thighbone (femur). A slippery tissue (articular cartilage) covers the ball and socket, providing a smooth, low-friction surface that allows the bones to glide easily across each other.
A strong fibrocartilage (labrum) rings the acetabulum and forms a gasket around the socket, creating a tight seal and helping to provide stability to the joint.
When bones of the hip are abnormally shaped and do not fit together perfectly, the hip bones may rub against each other and cause damage to the joint. The resulting condition is femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), which is frequently seen along with a tear of the labrum.
There are three types of FAI:
Symptoms usually include pain in the groin area, which is sometimes located toward the outside of the hip. Sharp stabbing pain may occur with turning, twisting and squatting, or you may just experience a dull ache.
If tests indicate joint damage caused by FAI and your pain is not relieved by nonsurgical treatment, your physician may recommend arthroscopic surgery to repair or clean out any damage to the labrum and articular cartilage. During this hip arthroscopy, your orthopaedic surgeon can trim the bony rim of the acetabulum and shave down the bump on the femoral head to correct the FAI.
With any surgery there are some risks, and these vary from person to person. Complications are typically minor, treatable and unlikely to affect your final outcome. Your orthopaedic surgeon will speak to you prior to surgery to explain any potential risks and complications that may be associated with your procedure.