Solitary osteochondroma of the proximal femur and femoral acetabular impingement.

Although osteochondromas can be present within the context of multiple hereditary exostosis, these tumors are overwhelmingly found as isolated lesions. Increased exostotic load associated with multiple hereditary exostosis can lead to limb-length discrepancy, increased femoral anteversion, valgus angulation, and acetabular dysplasia. Despite these observations, the relationship of more common isolated exostoses near the proximal femur and their role in femoral acetabular impingement has never been depicted. Although solitary osteochondromas have been linked with bursal inflammation and pain, compression on neurovascular structures, and malignant degeneration, they have not previously been associated with femoral acetabular impingement. This article presents a novel case of a proximal femoral osteochondroma of the greater trochanter leading to the development and associated symptoms and radiographic findings consistent with hip impingement. A 24-year-old man presented with groin and lower extremity pain thought to be due to an exostosis of the proximal femur. Following surgical excision and persistence of anterior groin pain, the patient was found to display a presentation and radiographic findings consistent with femoral acetabular impingement. He successfully underwent a hip arthroscopy, femoroacetabular osteochondroplasty, and labral repair. Postoperatively, his symptoms improved significantly, and he returned to normal activity. The presence of a proximal femoral exostosis can be associated with the development of femoral acetabular impingement. Awareness of this relationship may lead to a better understanding of patient symptoms and expectations associated with treatment. Copyright 2010, SLACK Incorporated.