About FAI -My FAI

I wanted to dedicate a page to the details of FAI, and to specifically define the type of FAI that I have. It is here that I will post links to studies and research articles that I found insightful and useful in my decision-making process. Again, I am not a doctor, healthcare provider or anything of the sort...I didn't even stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night...so what I post or link or state here is simply my opinion or what I find helpful.  Here is a good starting point: http://www.hipfai.com/

I was diagnosed with FAI, cam type, after review of X-rays that were taken to rule out femoral stress fractures after experiencing severe pain in my quads and anterior hip area. My PCP swore that I had tendonitis within my quadriceps, while I was betting on the stress fracture. The X-ray results clearly showed excess bone on my femoral head, hence “cam-type” FAI. MRIs were ordered to verify the diagnosis and to try to determine if any soft tissue damage was present. A non-contrast MRI was performed, confirming the FAI cam-type diagnosis. There was also a bone spur visible on the acetabulum. This condition was also present on the left hip which is quite normal as this is normally a bilateral condition, however, it was not as pronounced as on the right, and I was not experiencing any symptoms. At this point I had some decisions to make, as there are generally two different routes to take as far as treatment is concerned.

Below is a very general overview of the two options I had.

Option 1:  The Conservative, Non-operative Approach -corticosteroid shots, strengthening exercises, stretching exercises and change to a less active lifestyle.

Option 2:  The Operative Approach -hip arthroscopy or open hip surgery, depending on the existing damage and other factors.

There are pros and cons to each approach from my point of view.  Option 1 would be less intrusive, and to be honest, who wants to go under the knife?  But at the same time, it would not solve the underlying issue that my bone structure is anatomically incorrect.  Many times, choosing Option 1 is just delaying the inevitable and will end up leading to Option 2, with a risk of more damage than there was when originally diagnosed.  Selecting Option 2 comes with it's own set of risks, there is scar tissue, lengthy recovery time, and the general thought of exhausting all non-intrusive solutions first.

At this time I was leaning towards Option 2, as it seemed to give me the best opportunity to maintain my current active lifestyle, or at least get me back to that level as quickly as possible.  My PCP referred me to an orthopedic specialist, but they did not have any openings until mid-June.  I researched other orthopods and ended up being referred to Dr. John Brown, with The CORE Institute.  After discussing the options with Dr. Brown, I felt confident that Option 2 was the best way to go, and so we scheduled the surgery.  Option 2 isn't for everyone.  I was told I had a textbook case of FAI based on my X-rays and MRIs.  I was also young, healthy, active, strong and skinny, which gave me a great chance at a solid recovery.

The decision of which option to choose is obviously a very personal one, and differs for each person facing this diagnosis.  I felt that my only realistic option was to opt for surgery.  I had made great strides in changing my lifestyle and pursuing goals that would test me not just physically but mentally and emotionally.  I have a tremendous support system surrounding me so I knew that I would be in the best possible position to focus on a high-level rehab and recovery.  I also know that I have the drive to overcome obstacles and achieve the goals I had set for myself.  I also felt that by doing this, I would at least ensure that in a worst-case scenario, I would be able to continue being active with my kids, to run 5Ks and such with them.  Also, this would show them that you can overcome any obstacle you face, and to never give up on your dreams.