Which type of hip impingement is associated with anterior groin pain?

• A. Pincer impingement
• B. Cam impingement
• C. Both
• D. None

Answer: (B)

Anterior groin pain with hip impingement is most characteristic of cam impingement because the non-spherical femoral head-neck junction fails to clear the acetabular rim during hip flexion. As the hip flexes, the prominent head-neck area pinches against the acetabular rim, compressing the labrum and cartilage at the anterior-superior region and producing pain in the groin with flexion and internal rotation. Pincer impingement stems from acetabular overcoverage and tends to generate pain that is less exclusively anterior and more related to extension and adduction, sometimes felt deep in the groin or around the hip rather than specifically at the anterior groin. Therefore, the best fit for anterior groin pain is cam impingement.