Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a clinical syndrome characterized by an abnormal contact between the femur and acetabulum at the end of certain hip movements, especially during flexion, internal and external rotation, and has currently been proposed as an important causal factor of early-onset osteoarthritis and hip pain in young adults. This syndrome is diagnosed on the basis of a complete clinical history and imaging methods, such as pelvic and lateral hip or cross-table radiographs and magnetic resonance arthrography. Treatment involves surgical improvement of the anatomic abnormality that is producing the syndrome, and its success depends on an early intervention. The purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the pathology, clinical aspects, diagnosis, and treatment of this syndrome based on a patient case report. Key words: femur; acetabulum; osteoarthritis; hip; young adult.