[Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome in adolescents-How to adivse? How to treat?]

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a relevant cause of groin pain in adolescents. Athletes are particularly affected.

Objectives: The article shall provide an evidence-based background for FAIS counseling and therapy in adolescents.

Material and methods: On the basis of the current literature, an overview of the prevalence and pathogenesis, evaluation and diagnostics, as well as the therapeutic recommendations for FAIS in adolescents was compiled.

Results and discussion: FAIS in adolescents primarily affects physically active patients. Certain sports favor the development of FAIS. Cam impingement, pincer impingement, and combined FAIS are the most common entities in this age group. Cam morphology occurs shortly before closure of the proximal femoral growth plate. In cam impingement, the slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) must be distinguished from the primary cam morphology. SCFE requires rapid surgical treatment with stabilization of the epiphysis, while primary cam impingement can be analyzed electively, and conservative treatment is first recommended. Damage to the labrum and cartilage is regularly observed. A systematic radiological evaluation using X‑rays and MRI is mandatory in order to develop an adequate treatment plan. In adolescent patients with FAIS, a conservative attempt at therapy should always be made; if this is unsuccessful, surgical repair with hip arthroscopy is indicated. The postoperative results are very good in adolescents, with a rapid improvement in symptoms, few complications, and a high return-to-sport rate.