Origin of Cam Morphology in Femoroacetabular Impingement

William Z. Morris, Ryan T. Li, Raymond W. Liu, Michael J. Salata, James E. Voos

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cam morphology of the proximal femur is an abnormal contour of the femoral head-neck junction present in approximately 15% to 25% of the asymptomatic population, predominantly in males. Alpha angle and femoral head-neck offset ratio are 2 objective measurement tools that define cam morphology. Both primary (idiopathic) and secondary cam deformity develops through distinct mechanisms. The cause of primary (idiopathic) cam morphology remains incompletely understood. Mounting evidence suggests that idiopathic cam morphology develops during adolescence through alterations in the capital femoral epiphysis in response to participation in vigorous sporting activity. While the exact cause of epiphyseal extension has not yet been determined, preliminary evidence suggests that epiphyseal extension may reflect a short-term adaptive response to provide stability to the physis at the long-term cost of the development of cam morphology. Commonly recognized causes of secondary cam deformity include frank slipped capital femoral epiphysis, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and deformity after fracture of the proximal femur. Recent studies also support subtle slipped capital femoral epiphysis as a unique and silent cause of a small percentage of subjects previously thought to have idiopathic cam deformity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)478-486
Number of pages9
JournalAmerican Journal of Sports Medicine
Volume46
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • FAI
  • cam morphology
  • cam-type deformity
  • femoroacetabular impingement
  • hip

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Origin of Cam Morphology in Femoroacetabular Impingement'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this