Current understanding of articular cartilage lesions in femoroacetabular impingement syndrome

Abstract

The concept of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) has received much attention over the past 20 years. Currently, it is believed that FAIS can lead to intra-articular pathologies such as labral tears and articular cartilage lesions, resulting in clinical symptoms and subsequent poor clinical outcomes. FAIS-related articular cartilage lesions are common but unique, and their natural course always leads to early osteoarthritis of the hip. However, despite these cartilage lesions having gradually gained considerable attention, limited consensus has been reached on key aspects, such as diagnosis, mechanisms, classification, and management strategies, which limits clinical and research advances. Hence, an intensive comprehensive overview based on the existing evidence is necessary. The purpose of this review was to introduce the general consensus, controversial issues, and recent advances in FAIS-related articular cartilage lesions.