USA Hockey Magazine

g By: Dr. T Sean Lynch First, I want to get clarity on how long the pain has been present. When a player describes a specific, traumatic injury, then I'm concerned more about a muscular injury—such as a groin or adductor muscle strain. However, if this pain has been going on for several weeks to months, then I am more concerned that there might be some underlying hip impingement with a possible labral injury. What exactly is hip impingement and how can it cause hip pain for a hockey player? The hip joint is a ball and socket joint, which means it's a round peg trying to fit into a round hole. With hip impingement, there is extra bone that develops on the front of the femur, which makes this round peg more of a square. This means that they do not fit together perfectly, and they can rub against each other (impingement). This causes damage to the joint and the soft tissue in the joint called the labrum. Dr. Hockey, my 15-year-old has been having hip pain for the last six months. At first, I thought it was "growing pains." Now it hurts not only with hockey activities, but also while sitting at his desk at school, driving to practice and tying his skates. What should I be worried about? -Marshall M (Plymouth, Mich.) Q A A S K D R . H O C K E Y However, if this pain has been going on for several weeks to months, then I am more concerned that there might be some underlying hip impingement with a possible labral injury." 36 // AUGUST 2023 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM Note from Dr. Hockey: For this month's question, I'm excited to bring in hip expert Dr. T. Sean Lynch. A team physician for USA Hockey, Lynch is the vice chair for academic affairs at Henry Ford Health in Detroit and serves as a consultant for hip injuries with the Detroit Red Wings. – Dr. Charles A. Popkin Hip Injuries in Hockey Example X-ray of a hip impingement. The yellow line signifies the extra bump coming off the femur, which is shaved and reshaped during a hip arthroscopy/scope. PHOTOS BY Bigstock Photo; Dr. T Sean Lynch

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