Differential Diagnosis
Piriformis syndrome or strain
Labral tear without FAI
Adductor muscle strain
Sciatica
Athletic pubalgia
Gluteus medius/minimus or illiopsoas tendinopathy
Stress fracture
Femoral head osteonecrosis
Other impingements, including anterior inferior iliac spine, ischiofemoral and iliopsoas
Loose body in the joint (intra-articular body)

Prevention
Prevention is currently being investigated. The goal of prevention would be to avoid joint damage and premature hip osteoarthritis. Studies are examining the effectiveness of screening adolescents in school and targeting at-risk individuals for education, physical therapy and decreasing participation in possibly harmful activities/sports as referenced in the epidemiology section. Treatment
Treatment of FAI can be divided into those that are non-operative (conservative) and operative. Conservative treatment is often prescribed for those who have not yet received any therapy. Conservative treatment includes physical therapy, avoidance of those activities that produce pain, and  nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It may also include joint injections with cortisone or hyaluronic acid, particularly for those who wish to avoid surgery.Physical therapy is implemented for the purpose of improving joint mobility, strengthening muscles surrounding the joint, correcting posture, and treating any other muscle or joint deficits that may be exacerbating the condition. A movement analysis may also be performed to identify specific movement patterns that may be causing injury. Studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of physical therapy are currently underway, with no conclusive results to date.Operative treatment is generally recommended to those who continue to have symptoms. It involves the surgical correction of any bony abnormalities causing the impingement and correction of any soft tissue lesions, such as labral tears.
In most cases, patients present with a deformity in the femoral head, or acetabulum, a poorly positioned femoral-acetabular junction, or any or all of the foregoing. The cause of FAI is currently unknown, but both congenital and acquired etiologies have been put forth. Studies have shown an increased incidence in siblings, suggesting a genetic component. At least one study has also shown a predilection in the white population. It has also been reported to be more common in males. However, there is no concrete evidence to suggest a genetic trait and instead, the most favored theory currently supports that FAI (the cam type in particular) is due to repetitive movements involving the hip (e.g. squatting) in young athletes. Aggravating activities that are commonly reported include repetitive or prolonged squatting, twisting movements of the hip, like pivoting during athletics, getting in and out of cars, and even sitting for prolonged periods. A combination of these factors may also predispose to a form of FAI; predominantly, a marginal developmental hip abnormality together with environmental factors such as recurrent motion of the legs within a supraphysiologic range.Three types of FAI are recognized (see title image). The first involves an excess of bone along the upper surface of the femoral head, known as a cam deformity (abbreviation for camshaft, which the shape of the femoral head and neck resembles). The second is due to an excess of growth of the upper lip of the acetabular cup and is known as a pincer deformity.