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Increased alpha angle in young hockey players associated with incidence of cam-type FAI
In this study, researchers from the Steadman Philippon Research Institute found a higher prevalence of α angles associated with cam-type femoroacetabular impingement in ice hockey players than in a skier-matched control group.
“Even at young ages, ice hockey players have a greater prevalence of α angles associated with cam [femoroacetabular impingement] FAI than do skier-matched controls,” Marc J. Philippon, MD, and colleagues wrote in the study abstract. “Properties inherent to ice hockey likely enhance the development of a bony overgrowth on the femoral neck, leading to cam FAI.”
Philippon and colleagues studied 61 asymptomatic ice hockey players 10 years to 18 years old who were matched against skiers in the same age range, according to the abstract. Both groups underwent a hip examination, which included a flexion/abduction/external rotation distance test, hip internal rotation measurement and impingement testing.
The researchers found an α angle of ≥55° in 75% of ice hockey players, while only 42% of skiers had an α angle of ≥55°, according to the abstract. Overall, they found that ice hockey players were at 4.5 times greater risk than skiers for an α angle associated with cam-type FAI and ice hockey players 16 years to 19 years old were most at risk for increased α angles.
Disclosure: The authors received funding from Smith & Nephew, Arthrex, Ossur, Sonoma and Linvatec. LaPrade is a consultant for Arthrex. Philippon receives stock options from Smith & Nephew, Arthrosurface, HIPCO, MIS, Bledsoe, DonJoy, SLACK Incorporated and Elsevier.