Olympic fencer with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome uses active rehabilitation to avoid surgery: A case report

Introduction: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is a musculoskeletal condition character-ized by hip symptoms. Conservative therapy is indicated prior to surgical intervention. However, no literature has described conservative management of FAI in detail. This report provides a detailed active rehabilitation plan for an elite athlete with FAI to guide future research and clinicians. Case presentation: A 30-year-old male Olympic fencing athlete presented with unilateral hip pain less than 1 year prior to the Olympic Games. Radiographic imaging demonstrated bilateral cam morphology. Hip mobilizations and stretching did not provide a meaningful pain reduction. Cortisone injection was then suggested prior to the Games where surgery was suggested following the Games.Management and outcome: Active rehabilitative exercises targeted motor control of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex, which led to significant pain reduction and full return to sport.Surgical intervention and cortisone injections were deemed unnecessary due to resolution of symptoms.Conclusion: Athletes with FAI syndrome may benefit from specific active rehabilitation exercises. Future clinical trials should explore rehabilitative exercises that address improved motor control to manage individuals with FAI syndrome.(c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.