Femoroacetabular Impingement Treatment in India

Emily Malhotra, a 32-year-old high school...

Emily Malhotra, a 32-year-old high school biology teacher and avid runner, had been struggling with a persistent, deep ache in her right groin for over two years. Initially, she dismissed it as a muscle strain, but the pain became sharp and catching whenever she bent forward, sat for long periods, or tried to run her usual 5k routes. Simple tasks like putting on socks or getting in and out of her car became painful. Her active lifestyle, which was her primary stress relief, ground to a halt. After seeing her primary care doctor and a physical therapist with no lasting improvement, she was referred to an orthopedic surgeon. An MRI confirmed a diagnosis of Cam-type Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI), where a bony overgrowth on her femoral head was pinching her labrum. The doctor recommended arthroscopic surgery to reshape the femoral head and repair the torn labrum, explaining it was the best chance to resolve the mechanical pinching and restore pain-free motion. Emily was terrified of surgery and the recovery time, fearing she'd let down her students and lose her fitness. The procedure itself went smoothly. The first two weeks of recovery on crutches were frustrating, but she diligently followed her physical therapy protocol. By six weeks, she was walking normally, and at four months, she was jogging slowly on a treadmill. Now, eight months post-op, Emily is back to running, pain-free, and even coaching the school's track team. The emotional journey was profound, from the despair of chronic pain and identity loss as an athlete to the patience required during recovery, culminating in immense gratitude and a renewed appreciation for her body's resilience.