TREATING HIP PAIN Hip pain has many causes.  Some etiologies respond well to conservative treatments like rest, anti-inflammatories, or therapy.  Others become a chronic problem.  A common cause of hip pain in young adults which can lead to early arthritis is femoral acetabular impingement (FAI).  Patients present with pain, restricted motion, and difficulty with more athletic pursuits.  FAI is caused by an abnormal shape of the "ball" or femoral head and neck (CAM  impingement) or an abnormal shape or orientation of the "socket" or acetabulum (Pincer impingement). Femoral Acetabular Impingement FAI is diagnosed by a good history, physical examination, and imaging.  Arthroscopy provides a minimally invasive method of treating femoral acetabular mpingement.  Excess bone is carefully removed and the femoral neck and acetabular rim are sculpted into a more normal, functional anatomy.  Cartilage damage, labral tears and loose bodies can also be expertly treated  through the arthroscope. Total Hip Replacement Arthroscopy, unfortunately, cannot solve all hip problems.  Once there is radiographic evidence of arthritis, patients need to consider a hip replacement.  Total hip replacement provides pain relief and restoration of a more normal lifestyle for patients suffering from hip arthritis.  The technology of modern joint replacements incorporates decades of  research and design.  Some have 98% + survivorship at 16 yrs in patients receiving large ball, metal-on-metal hip replacements.  Dr. Fow has seen equal or better success in his practice.  Since he began his practice 8 years ago, he reports no known revisions, dislocations or infections in his hip replacements.  Dr. Fow follows his joint replacement patients closely with several postoperative visits the first postoperative year.  He then follows patients with yearly exams and radiographs. Patients should expect a 2-4 day stay in the hospital. This may be followed by either a short stay in a rehabilitation unit, going home with a home health care team visiting three times a week, or going directly to outpatient therapy.Most patients are able to ambulate independently with good balance and strength within the first month post- operative. Minimally Invasive Surgery uses approaches and techniques which cause less tissue damage to perform the procedure, thus requiring less recovery time.      Arthroscopic Surgery Surgery is performed through small incisions utilizing fiberoptic equipment, specialized instruments, and truly minimally invasive techniques.     CAM FAI but already arthritic. t: 805 473 0700 f: 805 473 5931 Normal hip. Postsurgical hip after CAM osteoplasty and labral repair. Postsurgical hip after total hip arthroplasty. CAM FAI severe with large superior and anterior CAM lesion.