Femoroacetabular Impingement and Core Muscle Injury in Athletes: Diagnosis and Algorithms for Success

Background: Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) is a condition characterized by abnormal contact between the femur and acetabulum during hip movement, leading to pain and limited mobility. This condition is common among athletes and is often associated with core muscle injuries, complicating diagnosis and treatment. This study emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive clinical evaluation, including taking a history and physical examination, for effectively distinguishing between FAI and core muscle injuries (CMI). Methods: The study examined athletes presenting with hip pain attributed to FAI and CMI between ۲۰۱۱ and ۲۰۲۰. It utilized advanced imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans alongside standard radiography to assess the prevalence of these conditions. Additionally, the authors analyzed treatment outcomes from non-surgical management strategies, including physical therapy and activity modification, before considering surgical options. Results: The analysis included a significant group of athletes diagnosed with either isolated or combined FAI and CMI. The findings indicated that initial treatment for these conditions was primarily non-operative, focusing on rest, hip and core physical therapy, and activity modification. In cases where symptoms persisted, injections were used for both diagnostic confirmation and symptom relief. Surgical interventions, particularly arthroscopy for FAI, showed high effectiveness in skilled hands. Notably, this study found a significant association between FAI and CMI, indicating that concurrent injuries are common among elite athletes. The results demonstrated that successful management of both conditions is crucial for predictable return-to-play outcomes. Conclusion: This study concludes that effective diagnosis and treatment of femoral impingement and core muscle injuries are essential for athlete recovery. A multidisciplinary approach that includes comprehensive clinical evaluation, appropriate imaging, suitable rehabilitation protocols, and surgical options when necessary can optimize outcomes. Additionally, the findings support raising awareness among physicians regarding the high incidence of concurrent FAI and CMI in athletes to improve management strategies.

کلیدواژه ها:

Femoroacetabular impingement ، core muscle injury ، athletes ، diagnosis ، treatment algorithms ، physical therapy ، surgical intervention