Editorial Commentary: Not Yet Convinced That the Femoroacetabular Impingement Resection (Fair) Arc Measurement Provides a “Fair” Assessment of Cam Resection Principles

Abstract

Hip arthroscopy has proven to be an effective surgical approach for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome. Studies have shown that patients typically have improved functional outcomes and high rates of return to activity following cam lesion resection and reshaping of the femoral head-neck junction. However, despite these favorable outcomes, there is still a steep and well-recognized learning curve in FAI hip arthroscopy. Although it is common dogma to consider an ideal reshaping of the femoral head-neck junction as being perfectly spherical, the ability to achieve this intraoperatively can be quite challenging. A new tool is the "femoroacetabular impingement resection (FAIR) arc," measured on a 45 Dunn lateral radiograph where a best-fit circle incorporates the region immediately inferior to the anteroinferior iliac spine, the subspine region, and lateral femoral neck base. The maximal radial distance height is then measured from the circumference of this circle to the apex of the cam lesion. This radiographic aid may assist with intraoperative estimate of appropriate cam lesion resection depth. While I tend to utilize preoperative radiographs and intra-operative neck sclerosis to determine cam resection depth, I continue to seek out other ways to effectively perform a femoral osteoplasty. While my initial attempt to utilize the FAIR index in my practice did not seem effective, I will continue to test this measurement in my patients.