03/08/2026
⚽️ Acetabular Rim Fracture in a Professional Soccer Player with Cam-Type FAI
We present the case of a 19-year-old professional soccer player who developed not only a labral tear, but also an acetabular rim fracture as a result of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). 🦴
❗️The athlete could not recall a single traumatic event, and symptoms had been present for approximately 3 months.
🩻 X-rays demonstrated cam-type FAI and an acetabular rim fracture.
📊 CT imaging revealed a fracture fragment measuring approximately 25 mm.
Although fragment excision was initially considered, the 📐 LCEA of 17° indicated a high risk of iatrogenic acetabular dysplasia if the fragment were removed.
🔍 Arthroscopy identified the intra-articular fracture line and the associated labral tear. The fragment was then exposed from the extra-articular side, the fracture surfaces were freshened, and the fragment was stabilized with a Herbert screw 🔩. This was followed by cam resection (femoroplasty) and labral repair.
✅ Early healing at 6 weeks.
🏃 Return to training at 3 months.
🏆 Return to full competition at 6 months.
💡 Preserving acetabular coverage is just as important as restoring the labrum.