CAM Impingement

CAM impingement is due to extra bone causing friction inside your hip joint. If you develop ongoing hip pain, visit Austin Sports Medicine. The experienced clinicians serve the community in and around Central and South Austin, as well as Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville, Texas. After completing a thorough evaluation using advanced imaging studies, the team can recommend treatments ranging from noninvasive physical therapies to minimally invasive surgery. Call your nearest Austin Sports Medicine office today and arrange a CAM impingement evaluation, or use the online form to request a consultation.

What is CAM impingement?

CAM impingement is a type of hip condition where extra bone (CAM morphology) develops on the head of the femur (thigh bone). This abnormal bone shape can cause the femur to rub against the edge of the hip socket during movement.

Over time, this rubbing can lead to pain, stiffness, and damage to the cartilage or labrum (a ring of tissue that helps cushion the joint). It’s a significant cause of femoroacetabular impingement and could lead to hip labral tears.

What causes CAM impingement?

CAM impingement often develops during the teenage years when the bones are still growing. It’s more common in athletes who play high-impact sports like soccer, hockey, or football.

Repetitive movement and stress on the hip joint may cause the bone to grow irregularly, leading to impingement.

What are the symptoms of CAM impingement?

CAM impingement often causes pain in the front or side of the hip, especially during exercise, prolonged sitting, or after twisting motions. You might also notice reduced flexibility, stiffness, or a clicking or catching sensation in the joint.

Austin Sports Medicine has advanced imaging tools onsite to aid in diagnosing CAM impingement. These include open MRI for detailed images of soft tissues, including the cartilage and labrum, and Quantum© Digital Imaging System X-ray, which shows the shape of the hip bones and helps identify abnormal bone growth.

What treatments help with CAM impingement?

Most patients at Austin Sports Medicine begin with physical therapy to strengthen hip muscles, improve mobility, and reduce stress on the joint. Orthobiologics, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), may help decrease inflammation and promote healing in soft tissues.

Ultrasound or fluoroscopy-guided steroid injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatories to the source of pain in patients who don’t improve with initial treatment.

Does CAM impingement require surgery?

If your symptoms are severe or nonsurgical approaches don’t help, the Austin Sports Medicine team may recommend hip arthroscopy. This minimally invasive surgery reshapes the abnormal bone on the femur, repairs or removes damaged cartilage or labral tissue, and restores smooth movement in the hip joint.

Successful recovery requires physical therapy to rebuild strength and flexibility. Most people return to normal activities within a few months, depending on the extent of treatment.

Addressing CAM impingement early helps protect the joint and prevent long-term damage from arthritis. If you have symptoms, call Austin Sports Medicine today to request an evaluation or book an appointment online.