Arthroscopic Management of Pincer-type Impingement

Abstract

Femoroacetabular impingement is a disorder associated with labrochondral injury and the development of osteoarthritis. Although femoroacetabular impingement is a 3-dimensional disorder with variable size and extent of impingement between individuals, there are 2 primary types of hip impingement: Cam-type and Pincer-type. Cam-type impingement is the result of asphericity of the femoral head-neck junction whereas Pincer-type impingement results from acetabular overcoverage. This paper will focus on Pincer-type pathology. The pathomechanics and most common subtypes of pincer impingement, typical patient presentation, radiographic and imaging findings, surgical indications, intraoperative findings, and specific arthroscopic surgical techniques will be described.