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

Purpose: Purpose: 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.Materials and Methods: Materials and Methods: 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.Results: Results: Bilateral hip MRI scans of 30 young male soccer players and 30 non-athletes were analyzed.The mean age of participants was 24.88±5.10years (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.Conclusion: Conclusion: 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.