Physical Activity in Adolescence Linked to Cam Morphology Development (ptpodcast.com)

• Cam morphology develops during adolescence and is linked to high-impact physical activity.
• Study of 210 adolescents showed increased prevalence in active males.
• Clinicians should interpret cam morphology cautiously; it may be a physiological adaptation.

"A cross-sectional cohort study of 210 individuals (Palmer et al., BJSM 2017) found that cam morphology of the hip develops during adolescence and is strongly associated with high levels of physical activity, particularly in males. The study highlights the importance of understanding that cam deformity is not solely pathological but may be a physiological adaptation to hip loading during skeletal maturation. Clinicians should consider activity history when assessing adolescent hip pain."