RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: An Underrecognized Cause of Hip Pain and Premature Osteoarthritis? JF The Journal of Rheumatology JO J Rheumatol FD The Journal of Rheumatology SP 1395 OP 1404 DO 10.3899/jrheum.091186 VO 37 IS 7 A1 GRAHAM D. REID A1 CALLUM G. REID A1 NADIA WIDMER A1 PETER L. MUNK YR 2010 UL http://www.jrheum.org/content/37/7/1395.abstract AB Acetabular dysplasia is well recognized as a potential predisposing factor to the development of hip osteoarthritis (OA). In the orthopedic literature, other dysmorphic and orientation abnormalities of the femoral head, femoral head-neck junction, and the acetabulum have been reported, with increasing frequency in recent years, under the term femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAI). The studies have shown a clear association of these structural anomalies with patients’ symptoms and signs, radiographic and pathologic abnormalities, and the development of degenerative hip arthritis. FAI is now believed to be a very important predisposing factor for the development of degenerative hip arthritis, particularly in younger adults. Although the results of longterm studies are awaited, the hope is that early surgical intervention in patients with FAI will change the course or prevent the development of hip OA. It is well documented that early recognition of potential FAI surgical candidates, before OA is advanced, determines the postsurgical outcome. FAI has not been reported in the rheumatology literature, but since patients with FAI likely often initially present to rheumatology clinics for assessment of hip pain, it is important for rheumatologists to be aware of this condition and refer to orthopedics when appropriate. The objective of this review is to provide an outline of the basic concepts of FAI, including clinical presentation and radiographic findings, so that rheumatologists become more familiar with this important emerging entity.