Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
cam impingement
Hip impingement caused by abnormal bony prominence on the femoral head-neck junction creating a cam-like effect.
Full Definition
A type of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) where an aspherical femoral head or prominence at the head-neck junction causes abnormal contact with the acetabular rim during hip motion. This mechanical conflict can lead to labral tears and cartilage damage. In pediatric patients, cam impingement may develop during adolescent growth periods and is increasingly recognized as a cause of hip pain in young athletes.
Usage
Usage note: Use lowercase 'cam' as it refers to the mechanical cam-like action.
In Context
- "MRI findings were consistent with cam impingement and early labral pathology." — Imaging report
- "The adolescent athlete presented with hip pain secondary to cam impingement." — Clinical assessment
Also known as
cam-type impingement
cam FAI
Contrasted with
pincer impingement
Don't confuse with
pincer impingement