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Femoral Osteoplasty
Reshaping the Hip to Relieve Pain and Preserve the Joint
Femoral osteoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)—a condition caused by extra bone on the femoral head or neck that leads to painful hip motion and damage to surrounding tissues.
By reshaping the femoral bone to its natural, rounded contour, femoral osteoplasty helps restore smooth movement between the ball and socket, relieve groin pain, and prevent long-term joint damage. This procedure is especially beneficial for active individuals who want to preserve their hip joint and avoid early arthritis.
What Is Femoral Osteoplasty and Why Is It Done?
Femoral osteoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the upper thigh bone (femur) to correct a cam deformity—an abnormal bump of bone on the femoral head or neck. This excess bone causes the hip’s ball to grind against the socket during movement, damaging cartilage and the labrum, and leading to a condition called cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).
Over time, cam impingement can lead to:
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Chronic groin pain
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Limited hip range of motion
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Labral tears and cartilage breakdown
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Early hip arthritis
Why Femoral Osteoplasty?
This procedure aims to remove the bony overgrowth, smooth the femoral head/neck junction, and restore the hip’s natural shape—allowing the joint to move freely without abnormal friction.
Femoral osteoplasty doesn’t replace the joint—it reshapes it. The goal is to relieve symptoms and protect the hip before permanent damage occurs.
Femoral osteoplasty is often performed arthroscopically using small incisions and specialized instruments, resulting in less soft tissue disruption and faster recovery than open procedures.
How the Procedure Works
Femoral osteoplasty is most commonly performed using a hip arthroscopy technique, which allows your surgeon to reshape the hip through 2 to 3 small incisions. These incisions—called portals—give access to the joint using a tiny camera (arthroscope) and specialized surgical tools.
Step-by-Step Overview:
1. Diagnostic Arthroscopy
A camera is inserted into the joint to assess damage to the labrum, cartilage, and surrounding structures. This confirms the presence and extent of the cam deformity.
2. Bone Reshaping (Osteoplasty)
Using small instruments, your surgeon carefully removes the excess bone from the femoral head-neck junction. The goal is to restore a smooth, rounded contour that no longer pinches the socket.
3. Labral or Cartilage Treatment (if needed)
If damage is present, your surgeon may also repair the labrum or treat areas of cartilage wear during the same procedure.
4. Closure
The instruments are removed, and the small incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape. The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours, and most patients go home the same day.
By restoring the natural shape of the femur, femoral osteoplasty reduces hip friction, protects the labrum, and allows for smoother, pain-free motion.
✅ Minimally Invasive Benefits:
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Small incisions and less soft tissue disruption
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Shorter recovery time compared to open surgery
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Precise visualization and bone contouring
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Outpatient procedure for most patients
When and Why Femoral Osteoplasty Is Recommended
Femoral osteoplasty is typically recommended for patients diagnosed with cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) who are experiencing hip pain that hasn’t improved with non-surgical treatment.
Cam deformities are especially common in:
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Athletes involved in running, hockey, dance, or soccer
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Young adults with reduced hip range of motion or deep flexion pain
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Individuals with a structural diagnosis of FAI on imaging (X-ray or MRI)
You May Be a Candidate for Femoral Osteoplasty If:
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You’ve been diagnosed with cam-type FAI
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You have persistent groin pain or hip stiffness
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Physical therapy and injections haven’t resolved your symptoms
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Imaging shows bone overgrowth at the femoral head-neck junction
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You’re under 40 and seeking to preserve your hip joint long term
Treating FAI early can help prevent labral tears, cartilage damage, and eventual arthritis.
Femoral osteoplasty is especially beneficial when performed before advanced joint damage sets in. It not only relieves current pain but also helps extend the life of the natural hip joint—delaying or avoiding the need for future hip replacement surgery.
Benefits of Femoral Osteoplasty
Femoral osteoplasty offers targeted, long-lasting relief for patients with cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) by correcting the root structural problem rather than simply managing symptoms.
By reshaping the femoral head and neck, this procedure restores natural hip mechanics—reducing joint friction, improving range of motion, and protecting long-term cartilage health.
🔍 Key Benefits:
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Pain Relief
Removes the source of mechanical impingement that causes groin pain and discomfort with activity or prolonged sitting. -
Improved Mobility
Restores smooth movement in the hip joint, especially during deep flexion, rotation, and high-impact activity. -
Joint Preservation
Reduces the risk of labral damage and cartilage wear—helping to prevent or delay the onset of hip arthritis. -
Minimally Invasive Approach
When performed arthroscopically, recovery is faster, with smaller incisions and less disruption to surrounding tissues. -
Supports Return to Activity
Many patients return to sports, recreational activity, or physically demanding jobs with greater confidence and less limitation.
Femoral osteoplasty doesn’t just reduce pain—it reshapes the future of your joint.
Surgery isn’t always the first step—but when conservative care no longer works, femoral osteoplasty can change the long-term outcome.
What to Expect After Surgery
Recovery after femoral osteoplasty depends on the extent of reshaping done and whether any additional procedures—like labral repair—were performed during surgery. The procedure is typically done arthroscopically, allowing most patients to return home the same day.
While you may feel significant pain relief within weeks, full recovery and return to activity usually takes several months and requires structured physical therapy.
General Recovery Timeline:
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Day of Surgery:
Outpatient discharge; rest, icing, and medication for pain control -
Weeks 1–2:
Crutches and limited weight-bearing as directed; begin passive motion exercises -
Weeks 3–6:
Gradual return to full weight-bearing; begin strengthening and mobility work -
Weeks 6–12:
Walking unassisted; increasing strength and balance exercises; possible return to desk work and light activity -
Months 3–4:
Low-impact cardio, return to fitness, sport-specific rehab -
Months 4–6+:
Return to full activity, sport, or labor-intensive work (pending surgeon clearance)
Recovery is not rushed—it’s carefully planned to protect your joint and maximize long-term success.
Your care team will customize a post-op plan based on your procedure, lifestyle, and goals. Following your surgeon’s instructions and staying consistent with physical therapy are key to regaining pain-free motion and preventing future injury.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Cam deformities often develop in adolescence but may not cause symptoms until early adulthood—when repetitive stress and activity begin to irritate the joint. By the time pain appears, damage to the labrum or cartilage may already be underway.
That’s why early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical.
The Risk of Waiting:
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Continued impingement leads to labral tears and cartilage erosion
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Repetitive stress increases the chance of developing hip arthritis
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Conservative treatments may lose effectiveness over time
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Delaying surgery can reduce the success of joint preservation procedures like femoral osteoplasty
Femoral osteoplasty is most effective when performed before significant joint degeneration occurs.
If you're experiencing groin pain, stiffness, or limited motion—especially if you're active or under 40—don’t wait. An evaluation by a hip preservation specialist can help determine whether this minimally invasive procedure could protect your joint and restore your quality of life.
📞 Take the Next Step Toward Hip Relief
If you're living with groin pain or struggling with limited hip mobility, femoral osteoplasty may be the key to long-term joint preservation. When conservative treatments aren’t enough, addressing the underlying cause—cam impingement—can help you get back to the activities you love.
Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply trying to stay mobile and pain-free, we’re here to guide you through the process.
✅ Ready to Get Started?
💬 It’s never too early to protect your hip—and never too late to feel better.