The young athlete and hip impingement

The literature on femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has increased rapidly over the past 15 years. Cam morphology and its associated pathology are highly prevalent in the young athletic hip. In this current perspective, the literature on the relationship between cam morphology and intra-articular hip pathology in young athletes has been summarised. The role of high impact sporting activities in the formation of cam morphology will be explained. Also, literature that supports different theories about the underlying aetiology of cam morphology will be discussed. Finally, strategies to prevent FAI and subsequent pathology and opportunities for future research are highlighted.