Femoro-acetabular impingement refers to an osteophyte growth and degenerative changes that occour in the hip joint. Excess bone growth in a ball and socket joint hampers the free movement of the ball in the socket. This is chracteristically marked by painful loss of range of motion (esp. Abduction) at the hip. Most commonly seen in athletes and elderly males with degenerative disease.

The problem might also be associated with Labral tears of the hip joint which need surgical intervention in form of arthoscopic debridement. Loose bodies might also result from long term impingement and might warrant removal.