Understanding how cam deformity in the hip can lead to osteoarthritis

Cam Type Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) is a Cause of Hip Pain in the Young Adult and a Precursor to Osteoarthritis (OA)

Phase 2 Interventional Ottawa Hospital Research Institute · NCT04080466

This study is trying to see how a hip deformity called cam deformity can lead to osteoarthritis in young adults who need surgery for hip pain.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment58 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOttawa Hospital Research Institute Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Ottawa, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT04080466 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the relationship between cam deformity of the hip and the development of osteoarthritis (OA) in young adults. It involves adult participants who require surgical correction for hip pain and compares their outcomes to age-matched controls. The study utilizes advanced imaging techniques, including PET-MRI, to assess cartilage and bone changes, alongside motion analysis and 3D modeling to understand joint mechanics. The goal is to identify biomarkers for early joint degeneration and develop guidelines to prevent OA in individuals with cam deformities.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include skeletally mature adults over 18 years old with hip pain lasting longer than 6 months and a cam deformity requiring surgical intervention.

Not a fit: Patients with prior joint replacement surgery or significant lower-limb injuries that impair mobility may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier detection and prevention of osteoarthritis in young adults with cam deformity.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the impact of cam deformity on joint health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Skeletally mature patient undergoing cam resection by hip arthroscopy with hip pain longer than 6 months
* Absence of arthritis (Tonnis Grade 0 or 1)
* Absence of dysplasia (LCEA \> 25°) or overcoverage (LCEA \> 39°)
* Alpha angle greater than 55° on multiplanar imaging
* Subject is over the age of 18 years old at time of enrollment
* Subject is willing and able to complete required study visits and assessments
* Subject is willing to sign the approved Informed Consent Form

Group 2 Inclusion Criteria:

* Normal femoral head neck contour and no evidence of dysplasia
* Subject is over the age of 18 years old at time of enrollment
* Subject is willing and able to complete required study visits and assessments
* Subject is willing to sign the approved Informed Consent Form

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior joint replacement surgery in any lower-limb joint due to OA
* History of lower-limb joint or back injury in the last year that impairs mobility
* Metallic prosthesis
* Worked with metal, metal fragments in the eye
* Blood transmittable disease(s)
* In vivo devices (Aneurysm clip(s), Pacemaker, ICD, Implanted hearing device)
* Extreme claustrophobia
* Overweight or obese (BMI \> 30) and/or waist circumference \>102cm in men and \>88cm in women
* Diagnosis of Parkinson's or uncontrollable tremors
* Known history of early OA in the immediate family
* Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant
* Cognitive impairment that prevents accurate completion of patient-reported outcome questionnaires
* Patient unable/unwilling to complete all required follow-up visits
* Participants who have been exposed to other sources of radiation within the last year (Bringing radiation exposure above annual maximum)

Where this trial is running

Ottawa, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hip DysplasiaFemoroacetabular ImpingementOsteoarthritisHipCam deformity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.