[Delayed damage to the hip joint in competitive sports].

There is rather little literature about hip disease in later life of former elite athletes. This running prospective study is concerned about precisely this question. Conclusive results are not yet available. But there are signs for a tendency towards increased formation of degenerative hip disease (or even premature arthrosis) in hurdling, jumping, decathlon, and probably in long distance running. Possible causes are mentioned (epiphysiolysis in hurdling?). Short outline about biomechanics and relationship of involved forces. The intention is to stimulate enhanced research of this problem.