Femoroacetabular Impingement in Ballet Dancers: A Narrative Review of Prevalence, Biomechanics, and Treatment

Abstract— Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is a prevalent hip disorder among ballet dancers, arising from extreme ranges of motion, repetitive high-load movements, and early onset of professional training. This narrative review summarises current evidence regarding FAI in ballet dancers, focusing on its biomechanical determinants, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment strategies. Ballet-specific movements place the hip at high risk for impingement and subluxation, potentially leading to labral and cartilage injuries. Clinical assessment, including FADIR and FABER tests, combined with radiographs, MRI, and, when indicated, CT, provides a comprehensive evaluation of structural and soft tissue pathology. Non-operative management with targeted physical therapy and core strengthening is effective for symptom relief, while arthroscopic surgery offers superior outcomes in refractory cases. Factors such as preoperative chondral damage and high alpha angles may influence surgical prognosis. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, long-term outcomes and the impact of interventions on the development of hip osteoarthritis remain unclear. Early detection, targeted rehabilitation, and timely surgical intervention are essential to preserve hip function and career longevity in ballet dancers. Keywords— femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, FAI, ballet dancers, cam morphology, pincer morphology, FADIR, FABER