What is Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)?
Hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement, also known as FAI, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to address hip joint issues caused by abnormal bone shapes. Femoracetabular impingement (FAI) in Delhi is performed to alleviate pain and restore function in your hip joints.
Surgeons use this surgery to treat conditions, such as labral tears, cartilage damage, and bone spurs that result from the impingement. As these issues are addressed, your quality of life improves, and you may return to your normal activities, including daily tasks, gym, and sports.
Causes
FAI is caused when the hip bones do not form normally during childhood or the growing years. It is a deformity of a cam bone spur, pincer bone spur, or both, resulting in joint damage and pain. When the hip bones are not shaped normally, only a little can be done to prevent this condition.
Some individuals may live a long and active life with FAI and never experience any problem. On the other hand, others may experience interference of pain, swelling, and other symptoms from time to time that may affect their quality of life on many levels. The symptoms indicate damage to the cartilage or labrum. According to doctors, the condition should be addressed as you experience symptoms, as it is likely to progress. It is very common in people who indulge in sports or extensive workouts.
Symptoms
The symptoms of FAI may significantly impact your daily life, making it difficult to perform routine tasks or engage in other activities. Watch out for the following signs and visit the doctor if they occur persistently.
- Pain in the groin or hip areas, especially during activities like walking, sitting, or squatting.
- Limited range of motion or stiffness around the hip joint.
- Clicking or locking sensation in the hip.
- Pain that worsens after physical activity or during prolonged sitting.
How is Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) diagnosed?
- General Examination: During your first appointment, the doctor will discuss general health and the symptoms you may be experiencing.
- Impingement Test: This test includes bringing your knee up towards your chest and rotating it inward towards the opposite shoulder. If it recreates pain, you may test positive for FAI.
- Imaging Test: The doctor may order imaging tests, like an X-ray, to get clear images of the bone. It will help them demonstrate if your hip has abnormally shaped bones.
- CT Scan: A CT scan will offer them a clearer and more detailed image than an X-ray. This test will help them check the exact abnormal shape of the hip. With the test results, they will identify the damage to the labrum and articular cartilage.
How is Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) surgery performed?
- An anesthesiologist will administer general or regional anesthesia before the procedure to help you relax and avoid any kind of pain and discomfort.
- Once you are sedated, you will be made to lie on your back or the side, depending on the preference of the surgeon.
- The surgeon will make small incisions around the hip joint to insert the arthroscope and other surgical instruments. The camera attached to the arthroscope will allow them to visualize the joint on the computer screen.
- They will carefully inspect the joint for impingement, cartilage damage, or any other issue.
- Depending on the findings, they will perform the following procedures:
- Resection of bone spurs: Removing excess bone that contributes to impingement.
- Labral Repair: Repairing or reconstructing the labrum or cartilage surrounding the hip socket.
- Debridement: Cleaning any damaged cartilage or tissue within the joint.
- Once all the necessary repair/removal steps are completed, they will remove the instruments and close the incisions with adhesive strips or sutures.
Recovery after treatment
The timeline for recovery after hip impingement treatment may vary, depending on individual factors, including the extent of the surgery and your overall health.
- The immediate post-operative phase lasts 0-2 weeks. You will be advised to rest and limit extensive activities. Use crutches to move from one place to another. The surgeon will prescribe medication for pain management. Apply an ice pack to alleviate swelling.
- In the early recovery phase, you may increase your activity level. By 4-6 weeks, you may start bearing weight on the operated leg with the help of a walker or crutches. The surgeon will put you on a rehabilitation program involving physiotherapy.
- By 6-12 weeks, you may indulge in more intensive physical activities, including strengthening exercises under the supervision of the physiotherapist. You may return to work during this phase. The surgeon will advise you to avoid high-impact activities.
- By 3 months, you may experience significant improvement in pain and mobility. It may be good to indulge in low-impact activities or sports, such as swimming or cycling. Full recovery may take 6 months or longer. Do not miss follow-up appointments with the doctor to monitor your progress or address any concerns.
Cost of Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) treatment in Delhi
The cost of FAI surgery in Delhi is not the same everywhere and is characterized by various factors, including the following:
- A highly skilled and experienced surgeon will charge a higher fee than others.
- A private hospital with a private room will cost you more than a government medical facility.
- The kind of technology or instruments used in the hospital is a crucial factor in deciding the cost of the surgery.
- Your duration of stay at the hospital, diagnostic tests, and medication are other deciding factors.
On average, the cost of FAI in Delhi may start anywhere from 1,50,000 INR and may go up to 3,00,000 INR, respectively.
Why Choose Dr. Ashwani Maichand for Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) treatment?
Dr. Ashwani Maichand is a highly experienced and skilful orthopaedic surgeon in Delhi. Known for treating joint, knee, and hip conditions, Dr. Maichand adopts a patient-centric approach, focusing on accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. The doctor performs FAI surgery with the latest arthroscopic techniques, ensuring the patient gets the best treatment.
His patient-centric approach and long-term relief goals help patients relieve pain, restore hip mobility, and improve their overall quality of life. By combining his skill with modern surgical methods and state-of-the-art facilities, Dr. Maichand ensures effective treatment and long-term management of your condition.
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Dr. Ashwani Maichand
MBBS, MS(Orthopaedics) | Mch(Orthopaedics)
- Sr. Consultant & Director at Minomax Orthopaedics
- Director Orthopaedics, CK Birla Hospital
- Fellowship Joint Replacement (USA & GERMANY)
- Visiting Surgeon HELIOSENDO at klinik, Hamburg, Germany
Dr. Ashwani Maichand brings with him a rich experience of Orthopaedics, more than a decade of which has been dedicated to joint reconstruction.
