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Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®

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01-11-2011 | Clinical Research

The Cam-type Deformity of the Proximal Femur Arises in Childhood in Response to Vigorous Sporting Activity

Authors: K. A. Siebenrock, MD, F. Ferner, MD, P. C. Noble, MD, PhD, R. F. Santore, MD, PhD, S. Werlen, MD, T. C. Mamisch, MD

Published in: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® | Issue 11/2011

Abstract

Background

The prevalence of a cam-type deformity in athletes and its association with vigorous sports activities during and after the growth period is unknown.

Questions/purposes

We therefore compared the prevalence and occurrence of a cam-type deformity by MRI in athletes during childhood and adolescence with an age-matched control group.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 72 hips in 37 male basketball players with a mean age of 17.6 years (range, 9–25 years) and 76 asymptomatic hips of 38 age-matched volunteers who had not participated in sporting activities at a high level.

Results

Eleven (15%) of the 72 hips in the athletes were painful and had positive anterior impingement tests on physical examination. Internal rotation of the hip averaged 30.1° (range, 15°–45°) in the control group compared with only 18.9° (range, 0°–45°) in the athletes. The maximum value of the alpha angle throughout the anterosuperior head segment was larger in the athletes (average, 60.5° ± 9°), compared with the control group (47.4° ± 4°). These differences became more pronounced after closure of the capital growth plate. Overall, the athletes had a 10-fold increased likelihood of having an alpha angle greater than 55° at least at one measurement position.

Conclusions

Our observations suggest a high intensity of sports activity during adolescence is associated with a substantial increase in the risk of cam-type impingement. These patients also may be at increased risk of subsequent development of secondary coxarthrosis.

Level of Evidence

Level II, diagnostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

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Title: The Cam-type Deformity of the Proximal Femur Arises in Childhood in Response to Vigorous Sporting Activity
Authors: K. A. Siebenrock, MD
F. Ferner, MD
P. C. Noble, MD, PhD
R. F. Santore, MD, PhD
S. Werlen, MD
T. C. Mamisch, MD
Publication date: 01-11-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® / Issue 11/2011
Print ISSN: 0009-921X
Electronic ISSN: 1528-1132
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-011-1945-4

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

The Cam-type Deformity of the Proximal Femur Arises in Childhood in Response to Vigorous Sporting Activity

Abstract

Background

Questions/purposes

Patients and Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of Evidence

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Questions/purposes

Patients and Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of Evidence

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