Femoroacetabular Osteoplasty
Femoroacetabular osteoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat hip impingement and restore normal joint movement. Mark S. Adickes, MD provides advanced femoroacetabular osteoplasty in Houston, Texas, helping patients relieve hip pain, improve mobility, and return to an active lifestyle.
What is Femoroacetabular Osteoplasty (FAO)?
Femoroacetabular osteoplasty is the surgical reshaping of the protruding bony surface of the femur or acetabulum of the hip joint. FAO is performed arthroscopically as a minimally invasive procedure. An arthroscope is a small, fiber-optic instrument consisting of a lens, light source, and video camera. The camera projects images of the inside of the joint onto a monitor, allowing your surgeon to look for damage, assess the type of injury and perform needed repairs.
Indications
FAO is indicated for femoroacetabular impingement, abnormal growth of the femur (ball) or the acetabulum (socket) of your hip joint, causing the bones to rub against each other. The common symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement include pain and stiffness in the groin, hip and thigh region, lower-back pain and an inability to bend the hip.
Preparation
Your doctor will advise you on any medications you need to stop taking prior to the procedure. You should tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medicines or anesthesia. Your medical history will be taken, and tests may be conducted such as X-ray, CT-scan or MRI. Certain blood tests may also be ordered.
Surgical Procedure
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and includes the following steps:
- You will lie on your back (supine position).
- Internal rotation of the limb is performed by your surgeon, which enables the placement of the arthroscope into the hip joint.
- Arthroscopic portals are inserted through a small incision.
- Your surgeon performs diagnostic arthroscopy to confirm the extent of bone overgrowth.
- Debridement, or cleaning out the bone tissue, is performed using a surgical shaver.
- Labral reconstruction using grafts may be performed to repair a damaged labrum, the rubbery tissue that keeps the ball of the joint in place.
- The incisions are closed and a bandage is applied.
Complications of the Surgery
Complications are rare but can occur with any surgery and can include:
- Damage to joint cartilage or the labrum
- Injury to nearby nerves or blood vessels.
- Small risk of infection
- Blood clots or DVT
- Complications from anesthesia
Recovery after Surgery
Your rehabilitation protocol may include:
- A combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids to manage pain.
- Your leg will be placed in a brace and you will be encouraged to keep weight off your leg for a short period of time.
- You are not allowed to lift heavy objects or perform any activity that may stress your hamstring muscles for a few weeks.
- Physiotherapy exercises will be taught to enhance your flexibility, range of motion and strength.
Who Is a Candidate for Femoroacetabular Osteoplasty?
You may be a candidate if you experience:
- Persistent hip or groin pain
- Clicking, catching, or locking sensations
- Limited range of motion
- Pain during sports or prolonged sitting
- Symptoms that do not improve with physical therapy or injections
Osteoplasty is often recommended when conservative treatments fail and imaging confirms structural abnormalities within the hip joint.
Femoroacetabular Osteoplasty Recovery Timeline
Recovery after osteoplasty varies depending on the severity of the condition, but most patients can expect:
- First 1–2 weeks: limited weight-bearing and use of crutches
- 2–6 weeks: gradual return of motion and daily activity
- 6–12 weeks: strengthening and improved mobility
- 3–6 months: return to sports and full activity
Many procedures are performed arthroscopically, allowing for faster recovery compared to open surgery.
Benefits of Femoroacetabular Osteoplasty
- Relieves hip pain caused by impingement
- Restores normal joint mechanics
- Improves range of motion and function
- Helps prevent further cartilage and labral damage
- May delay or prevent the development of hip arthritis
Studies show that osteoplasty can improve hip motion and reduce abnormal joint contact following surgery.
Why Choose Mark S. Adickes, MD for Hip Preservation Surgery?
Patients choose Dr. Adickes for his expertise in sports medicine and hip preservation procedures. As a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and former professional athlete, he understands the importance of restoring movement, performance, and long-term joint health. His approach focuses on precise diagnosis, minimally invasive techniques, and individualized treatment plans.
Serving Houston and Surrounding Communities
Conveniently located in Houston, TX, this practice serves patients throughout the region, including Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Memorial, and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Femoroacetabular Osteoplasty
What is femoroacetabular osteoplasty used for?
It is used to treat femoroacetabular impingement by reshaping the hip bones to eliminate abnormal contact.
Is femoroacetabular osteoplasty minimally invasive?
Yes, it is typically performed arthroscopically using small incisions and specialized instruments.
How long does the surgery take?
Most procedures take about 1–2 hours, depending on the complexity of the condition.
Can this procedure prevent hip replacement?
In many cases, correcting impingement early can help delay or prevent the need for hip replacement by preserving the joint.
When can I return to sports?
Most patients return to sports within 3 to 6 months following proper rehabilitation.
What happens if FAI is left untreated?
Untreated FAI can lead to progressive cartilage damage, labral tears, and early hip arthritis.
If you are experiencing hip pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Adickes to learn whether femoroacetabular osteoplasty is the right treatment option for you.
