title: The etiology of primary femoroacetabular impingement: genetics or acquired deformity?
abstract: The etiology of primary femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) remains controversial. Both genetic and acquired causes have been postulated and studied. While recent studies suggest that genetic factors may have a role in the development of FAI, there is no conclusive evidence that FAI is transmitted genetically. Currently, the most popular theory for the development of cam-type deformities is that a repetitive injury to the proximal femoral physis occurs during a critical period of development. There is a correlation between a high volume of impact activities during adolescence and the development of cam-type deformities. Multiple studies have found a high prevalence of FAI in elite football, ice hockey, basketball and soccer players. In this article, we review the current literature relating to the etiology of primary FAI.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Packer
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
authors.forename: Marc R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Safran