Trial for Femoroacetabular Impingement Treatment

A Randomised Controlled Trial of Surgical Versus Non-surgical Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) describes a condition of the hip where additional bone results in the abutment of the femoral neck against the rim of the acetabulum. This gives rise to localised cartilage damage and pain, but also increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of arthroscopic surgery versus physiotherapy and activity modification for the treatment of this condition.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Symptomatic patients
• Age 18-60 years
• Clinical and radiological evidence of FAI
• Competent to consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior hip surgery
• Established osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence >/= 2)
• Hip dysplasia (Centre-Edge angle < 20 degrees on radiograph)
• Completion of physiotherapy programme targeting FAI within past year
• Co-morbidities that mean surgical intervention is not possible/safe
• Contraindication to MRI
• Pregnancy