Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Comparative Assessment of Cam and Pincer Hip Morphology between Soccer Players and...

Primary cam and pincer type morphology of the hip can lead to femoroacetabular impingement and osteoarthritis. This study aimed to assess and compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiological parameters of hip morphology between young male semi-professional soccer players and non-athlete controls.

This observational cross-sectional study included a retrospective review of MRI scans of young male soccer players and an age- and sex-matched control group obtained from a hospital radiology database. Lateral center edge angle, acetabular version, alpha angle, collodiaphyseal angle, and femoral head coverage ratio were recorded and compared between groups.

Bilateral hip MRI scans of 30 young male soccer players and 30 non-athletes were analyzed. The mean age of participants was 24.88±5.10 years (range, 15-34 years). In the non-athlete control group, anteversion was higher in both hips (P=0.02 for right hip and P=0.05 for left hip) and reached statistical significance for the right hip. The collodiaphyseal angle was higher in the soccer-player group (P=0.01 for the right hip and P=0.03 for the left hip). The femoral head coverage ratio was significantly higher in the control group (P=0.02 for the right hip and P=0.01 for the left hip). No significant difference was observed in lateral center edge angle or alpha angle between groups.

Differences in collodiaphyseal angle, acetabular anteversion, and femoral head coverage ratio indicate partial variation in femoroacetabular morphology between groups; however, no evidence showed a higher incidence of cam or pincer morphology in soccer players.