What kind of deformity is characterized by a bony overgrowth of the femoral neck?

The CAM deformity is specifically characterized by a bony overgrowth on the femoral neck. This type of deformity is often associated with hip impingement, where the abnormal shape of the femoral head leads to inappropriate contact with the acetabulum during hip movement. This can cause pain and limited range of motion, which are significant concerns in active populations, particularly athletes.

In contrast, the pincer deformity is characterized by over-coverage of the femoral head by the acetabulum rather than changes to the femoral neck. Spurs typically refer to small bony projections that can occur at various joints but are not specifically related to the femoral neck in the context of this question. Arthritis, while involving joint degeneration and may lead to bony changes, is a broader condition that affects cartilage rather than resulting in a distinct overgrowth of bone like the CAM deformity does. Therefore, the CAM deformity directly aligns with the description of a bony overgrowth on the femoral neck, making it the correct choice.