The labrum: structure, function, and injury with femoro-acetabular impingement.

Background: The recognition of the importance of femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) as a potential cause of hip pain has been stimulated by major efforts to salvage hip joints by reconstruction to prevent or delay the need for replacement. A previous review addressed the nature of FAI, the various types, and how to make the diagnosis. When FAI occurs, the structure between the femur and acetabular rim, the labrum, is initially impinged upon and subsequently injured.

Femoro-acetabular impingement: the diagnosis-a review.

Background: The recognition of the importance of femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) as a potential cause of hip pain has been stimulated by major efforts to salvage hip joints by reconstruction in order to prevent or delay the need for replacement. The purpose of this review is to define the nature of FAI, the various types, and how to make the diagnosis.

Methods: The review describes the characteristics of the hip that cause FAI and emphasizes understanding that the femoral and acetabular components normally function as a unit, complementing each other.