Hip osteoarthritis is related to the deformity caused by femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). This lesion is related too with an increased performance of sports activities, such as soccer. Alpha angle is a possible measurement of the deformity caused by FAI, especially Cam-type lesion. The purpose of the present study is to describe the alpha angle measured in AP and axial projections in a group of soccer players, being able to compare it with the general population and populations of adult soccer players.
Alpha angle was collected in a professional group of soccer players (mean age 12.7 years old) with a minimum sports practice of 5 years, to compare to the previously published, both in the general population and professional soccer players.
Alpha angles in a population of 20 soccer players show pathological values (> 55°) in 32.5% of the players. Pathological alpha angles described in general population are around 14%, whereas the adult soccer players are over 40%.
Alpha angle can be an objective value to detect at-risk players of developing FAI.