June 11, 2026

A new study led in part by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) can provide lasting relief and help many patients avoid hip replacement for years after treatment.

FAI is a condition in which extra bone develops around the hip joint, causing the bones to rub together during movement. Over time, this can damage the labrum and cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness and early arthritis.

The study, published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, followed 362 hips treated for FAI between 2008 and 2012. Researchers tracked patients for more than 10 years to better understand the long-term impact of surgery.

The results were encouraging. More than 90% of hips did not require total hip replacement 10 years after surgery. Patients who avoided hip replacement also reported lasting improvements in pain, mobility and overall hip function.

WashU Medicine orthopedic surgeons Jeffrey Nepple, MD, and John Clohisy Sr., MD, helped lead the study as part of the ANCHOR research group, a multicenter collaboration focused on improving care for patients with hip disorders.

The researchers also identified several factors linked to a greater chance of needing hip replacement later, including:

• Older age at the time of surgery
• Obesity
• Cartilage damage already present in the hip

Younger patients and those without cartilage damage had the strongest long-term outcomes. Patients younger than 30 had a 97.4% chance of avoiding hip replacement 10 years after surgery.

The findings add to growing evidence that hip preservation surgery can provide long-lasting benefits for the right patients. They also highlight the importance of early evaluation and treatment before significant joint damage occurs.

As one of the largest studies to examine 10-year outcomes after FAI surgery, the research provides valuable information that can help patients and physicians make informed decisions about hip preservation treatment.

Learn why patients choose WashU Medicine Orthopedics, request an appointment online or call (314) 514-3500.