Hip impingement surgery

Arthroscopic correction of femoroacetabular impingement

Hip impingement surgery reshapes the bones of the hip joint to correct abnormal bone contact and reduce cartilage damage

What is hip impingement?

Hip impingement or Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is caused by abnormally shaped bones rubbing together in your hip joint.

It can affect people of all ages, limiting range of movement, causing pain and potentially leading to hip arthritis.

A minimally invasive procedure can reshape these bones, helping them to glide smoothly in the joint.

Need to know

  • What happens during surgery? icon plus

    Hip impingement surgery is done under general anaesthetic, meaning you'll be asleep during the procedure. Occasionally, open surgery is required. Your consultant will recommend the best approach for you.
  • How to prepare icon plus

    Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. They'll let you know how to prepare, including how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand.

    Your consultant may request an X-ray, CT or MRI scan to help visualise your hip joint before the procedure. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
  • Post surgery recovery icon plus

    You'll usually be cared for in hospital overnight after your procedure. Your consultant will let you know how to care for your hip in the days and weeks following surgery. They may recommend physiotherapy exercises to help rebuild strength and range of movement. They'll also let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise.

    Hip impingement can be more common among dancers and people who play sport. After surgery, we'll aim to get you back to doing the activities you enjoy as soon as possible.

Paying for medical treatment

You don’t need health insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.

Our hip consultants

We're proud to work with leading orthopaedic surgeons specialising in a range of orthopaedic areas including the hip, pelvis, knee, foot and ankle, and whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion.

Our locations

From complex hip surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional orthopaedic care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.

Request a hip or pelvis appointment

We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced hip consultants. We can also make imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments for you.

Call us today

020 7079 4344
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
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