This is a case of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) due to anterior acetabular wall overcoverage, which encounters the femoral neck early with end range of motion. The term "pincer” comes from the acetabulum pinching on the proximal femur.

The pincer effect may be due to a partial acetabular retroversion, acetabular overcoverage with or without coxa profunda, in which the head of the femur is fully covered by the acetabulum.

Impingement type can be congenital, developmental or acquired. In the latter case can be the outcome of a periacetabular osteotomy or fracture.

Pincer-type FAI more often occurs in women.