There are two types of hip impingement: PINCER impingement and CAM impingement. With CAM impingement, the ball of the hip is not perfectly round, so when bending and twisting in the joint socket the cartilage of the socket becomes flattened (and thus damaged).
In severe cases, the sphere simply cannot rotate further in the joint (resulting in a typically reduced possibility of rotation in the hip). In pincer impingement, the rim of the socket protrudes too far, causing the neck of the femoral head to collide with the rim of the socket when turning. On the rim there is an annular ligament structure called the 'labrum'. This labrum becomes damaged, and tears gradually.
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you.
Click here for more information about the two types of hip impingement (PINCER and CAM impingement)
