06/18/2026
Why are young female athletes at greater risk for hip injuries, yet so much of what we know about hip health comes from studies focused primarily on males?
BU Sargent professor Cara Lewis is working to close that gap through two research studies focused on female athletes. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, one project examines how hip bone shape develops in athletes ages 8–17 and how participation in sports such as soccer and ice hockey may influence that development. A second study, funded by the Arthritis Foundation, focuses on athletes ages 18–30, exploring how hip shape affects pain, cartilage health, and the risk of osteoarthritis later in life.
By centering female athletes in this research, Lewis hopes to improve our understanding of hip health across the lifespan and pave the way for earlier interventions, better prevention strategies, and improved outcomes for women.
Read more about her work here: https://www.bu.edu/articles/2026/better-hip-care-for-young-female-athletes/
