Hip impingement, also known as femoro-acetabular impingement, is a common developmental abnormality. The problem can affect both men and women, affecting men more often.  The deformities are likely responsible for the vast majority of hips needing replacement in men between the ages of 30 and 55.
Femoro-acetabular impingement occurs from a combination of abnormalities of both the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum). On the ball or femoral side, there is usually very little clearance between the ball and neck of the femur in the front part of the joint. On the socket side, the socket is usually somewhat overdeveloped in the front and the socket is facing slightly the wrong way. These two problems combine so that the hip joint jams in the front when the hip is bent all the way forward. The problem may arise around the time of birth but is usually noticed by men more heavily involved in sporting activities. Hockey, football, soccer and long-distance running are sports have produced the highest incidence of patients with this condition and so it appears that these activities probably accelerate the problem.
If the hip has not degenerated too far, femoro-acetabular impingement can be treated, usually by arthroscopic osteochondroplasty.   Dr. Murphy specializes in the treatment of hip dysplasia but no longer specializes in hip arthroscopy.  We can refer you to surgeons who specialized in that field if necessary.