CAM-type femoroacetabular impingement in male elite junior cross-country skiers and non-athlete controls: a cross-sectional MRI study

OBJECTIVES: Cross-country (CC) skiing consists of two main techniques: classic and skating. Hip motion during the skating technique is similar to that in ice skating and is considered a risk factor for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in ice hockey players. We aimed to compare the presence of CAM-type FAI in a cohort of elite junior CC (EJCC) skiers with a control group of non-athlete (NA) high school students. METHODS: Observational cohort study: EJCC skiers and NAs were recruited from a sports school and a regular high school, respectively. Baseline demographics and training history were obtained via a questionnaire. Bilateral hip MRI was performed and the alpha angle was measured in three planes. CAM deformity was defined as an alpha angle>55° on at least two MRI planes per hip. RESULTS: A total of 20 EJCC skiers and 10 NAs participated. All participants were male, aged 16–19 years. Average training volume was 528.10±68.34 hours per year for the EJCC skiers compared with 153.50±57.09 for the NAs (p<0.001). The prevalence of CAM deformity in at least one hip on MRI was 50% in both groups (10 CC skiers and 5 NAs). The average alpha angles were 52.4±6.1° in the EJCC group and 52.5±4.9° in the NA group (p=0.94). CONCLUSION: Radiographic evidence of CAM-type FAI was not more common in the CC skiers compared with NAs. The type, rather than volume or intensity of training, maybe a more important risk factor for the development of CAM-type FAI in young athletes.