Femoro-acetabular Impingement (FAI) is a common cause of pain in the hip. It occurs when there is abnormal contact between the bones of the hip. Impingement can lead to labral tears and eventually advancement of osteoarthritis. Impingement is most commonly described as anatomic boney variability of the acetabulum (socket) and femur (leg bone) that causes the two bones to rub against each other during certain hip motions.

The hip plays an important role in supporting the upper body weight while standing, walking and running. The stability of the hip is crucial in order to perform these functions seamlessly and without pain. The femur or thigh bone and acetabulum (hip bone) join to form the hip joint. The labrum, the tissue rim that seals the hip joint, and the surrounding ligaments that line the hip capsule maintain stability.

Articular cartilage covers and protects our joints, allowing us to have pain-free, smooth and gliding movement. When the cartilage is damaged or begins to degenerate, pieces may break off and become loose in the joint. This results in pain and the further progression of the injury.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), also known as hip impingement, is a mechanical or structural disorder of the hip. It can occur in people of all ages, including adolescents and young adults. In the healthy hip, the rounded top of thigh bone (femoral head) “plugs into” the hip socket (acetabular socket) in such a way that the femoral head can move smoothly within the socket. Occasionally, the femoral head and/or acetabulum may have an irregular shape due to overuse, or genetic or...

The gluteus medius and minimus are muscles in the buttock and are situated on the outer surface of the hip. They assist with pelvic stability, hip abduction (leg separation) and internal/external rotation of the hip. The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus are muscles which are important for motion and stability of the hip joint.

Dr. Chen specializes in arthroscopic surgeries of the hip. Unlike most orthopedic surgeons, he has completed a fellowship in hip arthroscopy. Under the guidance of one of the most renown hip arthroscopic surgeons, Dr. Benjamin Domb, Dr. Chen has become highly qualified and expert in hip arthroscopy and uses the approach to treat numerous hip conditions and injuries.

Hip replacement, also called total hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace a worn out or damaged hip joint with a prosthesis (an artificial joint). This surgery may be an option after a hip fracture or for severe pain due to arthritis.

In a snapping hip, a tight iliopsoas tendon “pops” over top of the femoral head, the iliopectineal eminence and labrum. The “popping” may produce a loud sound, and may cause a sensation that the hip is popping out of its socket or dislocating. In many cases, flexing and extending the hip when walking, sitting or standing can reproduce the snapping.

The iliotibial band is the tendon attachment of hip muscles into the upper leg (tibia) just below the knee to the outer side of the front of the leg. Where the tendon passes below the knee, there is a bursa sac between the bone and tendon. This tendon moves over the knee and the bursa acts as a buffer to reduce friction. When overuse occurs, the excessive friction causes inflammation and pain.

The labrum is a fibrocartilage rim that surrounds the hip joint and gives it stability. The fibrocartilage deepens the socket, seals the joint and protects it by decreasing impact. A tear to the labrum can cause pain in the front of the hip, in the groin or side of the hip. The pain usually worsens with walking, pivoting or impact activities such as running.

Bursae, are small, jelly-like sacs that are located throughout the body, including around the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel. They contain a small amount of fluid, and are positioned between bones and soft tissues, acting as cushions to help reduce friction. Bursitis is term used to describe the inflammation of the bursa.