Hip Joint Pathology: FAI, Dysplasia and Osteoarthritis

Hip pathology usually causes groin pain, but it can also give deep buttock, lateral thigh or posterior thigh pain that rarely passes the knee. FAI typically shows the C sign and pain on deep flexion, pivoting and sitting. The speaker demonstrates seated internal rotation, the FADIR test, which is sensitive but not specific and so useful for ruling FAI out, and the FABER test measured with a ruler. Acetabular dysplasia is undercoverage of the acetabulum, usually in active young women, often with lateral hip pain from overworked muscles, a sense of instability and general hypermobility. Where FAI and osteoarthritis reduce range, dysplasia shows excessive range and apprehension in FABER. Osteoarthritis is usually seen over 50, with gradual, load-dependent pain, morning stiffness, difficulty putting on shoes and socks, and a blocked end-feel in flexion, often with FADIR and FABER limited too. FAI management avoids end-range compression; dysplasia needs stability work, especially for the abductors, and little stretching. Osteoarthritis care combines strength, range maintenance, aerobic conditioning and activity modification, with surgery reserved for severe cases.