Illustration of a hip joint showing cam morphology with data visualization overlay.

Cam Hip Morphology: Are You at Risk?

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unveiling the prevalence and potential implications of cam hip morphology in the general population."

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome, a motion-related hip disorder, arises from premature contact between the femur and acetabulum. This condition often stems from specific hip shapes, including cam and pincer morphologies. Cam morphology is characterized by a flattening or convexity at the femoral head-neck junction, leading to impingement against the acetabular rim during movement.

The presence of cam morphology has long been linked to the development of hip osteoarthritis (OA). Early observations in the 1960s noted a high prevalence of cam hip shapes in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty. Later research identified FAI as a potential cause of hip OA, with studies demonstrating an increased OA risk in individuals with cam morphology.

Despite growing recognition of cam morphology's role in hip OA, its precise prevalence remains unclear. Initial systematic reviews revealed prevalence estimates ranging widely, from 5% to 75% of the general population. The lack of uniform diagnostic measures and diverse study populations hindered meta-analysis and definitive conclusions.

Understanding Cam Morphology: Prevalence and Impact

Illustration of a hip joint showing cam morphology with data visualization overlay.

A recent study aimed to define the prevalence of cam morphology within the general population using cross-sectional imaging and a predefined diagnostic accuracy measure. The research involved screening patients presenting to University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) after major trauma.

The study revealed that 47% of the participants aged 16-65 years exhibited cam morphology. Males showed a higher prevalence (56%) compared to females (37%). The sample broadly mirrored the UK general population in age, sex, ethnicity, and social deprivation distribution. Measuring cam morphology involved cross-sectional imaging and a measure with a pre-determined diagnostic accuracy, in keeping with recent recommendations. When excluding subjects with hip osteophytes, there was 45% prevalence, 54% males and 36% females.

47% of subjects aged 16-65 had cam morphology.
56% of males and 37% of females were affected.
The sample was broadly representative of the UK general population.
Cam morphology was measured using cross sectional imaging.

While previous systematic reviews have acknowledged the lack of general population-based studies and the wide range of diagnostic criteria used, this study offers valuable insights into the prevalence of cam morphology. However, it's important to note that the sampling frame was a clinical population, which may have introduced bias.

What Does This Mean For You?

This study highlights the relatively high prevalence of cam morphology in the general population. Although the presence of cam morphology does not automatically equate to FAI syndrome, it may increase the risk of developing hip osteoarthritis.

If you experience hip pain, especially during movement, consult with a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and management can help mitigate potential complications associated with FAI syndrome and cam morphology.

Future research should focus on prospective studies assessing the association between hip pain, clinical findings, and hip morphology to better understand the epidemiology of FAI syndrome and guide preventative strategies.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.joca.2018.09.019, Alternate LINK

Title: The Prevalence Of Cam Hip Morphology In A General Population Sample

Subject: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Journal: Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: E.J. Dickenson, P.D.H. Wall, C.E. Hutchinson, D.R. Griffin

Published: 2019-03-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is "cam morphology" in the context of hip health?

Cam morphology refers to a specific shape abnormality at the femoral head-neck junction of the hip. Instead of being perfectly round, there's a flattening or convexity. This altered shape can cause the femur to impinge against the acetabular rim during hip movement, potentially leading to femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome and, over time, hip osteoarthritis. It's important to note that not everyone with cam morphology will experience symptoms or develop hip problems, but it does increase the risk.

How prevalent is cam morphology in the general population, and are there any differences based on gender?

A recent study found that 47% of individuals aged 16-65 exhibited cam morphology. Notably, males showed a higher prevalence at 56%, compared to 37% in females. This highlights that cam morphology is relatively common. The study, which screened patients presenting to University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) after major trauma, suggests that sex is a risk factor, though more research is needed to understand why.

How is cam morphology typically measured or diagnosed, and why is standardization important?

Cam morphology is measured using cross-sectional imaging techniques, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI. The assessment involves evaluating the shape of the femoral head-neck junction to identify any flattening or convexity. Standardizing the diagnostic criteria is crucial because early systematic reviews showed a wide range of prevalence estimates (5% to 75%) due to a lack of uniform measures. The recent study used a pre-defined diagnostic accuracy measure to improve reliability. Consistent measurement ensures that research findings are comparable and that clinical decisions are based on accurate assessments.

What is the connection between cam morphology and hip osteoarthritis (OA), and does having cam morphology guarantee the development of OA?

Cam morphology has been linked to the development of hip osteoarthritis (OA) because the abnormal shape can cause repetitive impingement and cartilage damage within the hip joint. This wear and tear can eventually lead to OA. However, it's crucial to understand that having cam morphology does not automatically mean you will develop hip OA. Many individuals with cam morphology may never experience symptoms or develop OA. The presence of cam morphology is a risk factor, not a certainty. Other factors, such as activity level, genetics, and overall hip health, also play a role.

If I have cam morphology, what steps can I take to mitigate the risk of developing hip problems, and what further research is needed in this area?

If you are diagnosed with cam morphology, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic specialist or physical therapist. They can assess your specific situation, considering factors like your activity level and any existing symptoms. Management strategies may include activity modification to avoid movements that exacerbate impingement, physical therapy to strengthen hip muscles and improve joint mechanics, and pain management techniques. Further research is needed to better understand the natural history of cam morphology, identify the specific factors that contribute to the development of hip OA in individuals with cam morphology, and develop targeted prevention strategies.