2015 ISAKOS Biennial Congress ePoster #810

Changes in the Hip of Youth Hockey Players Over 3 Seasons as Seen on MRI and Physical Exam

Marc J. Philippon, MD, Vail, CO UNITED STATES
Karen K. Briggs, MPH, MBS, Vail, CO UNITED STATES
Natalie Dawn Ommen, MD, Vail, CO UNITED STATES
Charles P Ho, MD, PhD, Vail, CO UNITED STATES
Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, CO, USA

FDA Status Not Applicable

Summary: Youth hockey players had increased alpha angles and labral tears seen as they aged and moved up in divisions, and there were increased prevalence of factors associated with FAI.

Abstract:

Objective

It has been reported that compared to other sports, ice hockey players more commonly suffer from cam femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Increased alpha angles have been reported with asymptomatic FAI. It is unclear how alpha angles and other factors related to FAI change over early childhood years. The purpose of this study was to track youth hockey players over 3 years and determine if factors associated with FAI increased as players aged and moved up in hockey divisions.

Methods

15 asymptomatic youth ice hockey players (ages 10 to 13 at the initial season) had pre-participation screening each year prior to starting youth hockey season. All players started in the peewee (ages 10 to 12) or bantam (13 to 14) division and moved up in divisions over 3 years. All players had a clinical hip examination consisting of the FABER test, impingement testing and measurement of hip internal rotation. A limited screening MRI was performed and the hip alpha angle was measured and labral tears documented.

Results

These youth hockey players played an average of 42 weeks/year over 3 years. Four goalies were included. Alpha angles of the players increased each year, significantly increased by year 3 of screening. The average alpha angle at year 1 was 57(45 to 63), year 2 average was 58(range 48 to 82), and year 3 was 72(range 60 to 88). At year 1, no player had labrum tear by screening MRI. By year 3, 12/15 had asymptomatic labral tears by MRI. The 3 players who did not have labral tears had alpha angles of 60, 62, and 64 degrees. There was no significant changes in internal rotation over the 3 years. There was a trend toward decreased internal rotation in goalies. One goalie reported symptoms after completing of the 3rd season when he was 16 years old.

Conclusion

In this small sample of youth hockey players, alpha angles increased and more asymptomatic labral tears were seen as these players aged and moved up in divisions, and there were increased prevalence of factors associated with FAI.