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A Novel Application of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging
Published on: September 17, 2013
Dynamic sonography of external snapping hip syndrome
Yun Sun Choi1, Sung Moon Lee, Baek Yong Song
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Eulji Hospital, Eulji University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
Summary
Dynamic sonography effectively diagnoses external snapping hip syndrome by visualizing abnormal movements of the iliotibial band or gluteus maximus muscle during hip motion.
Area of Science:
- Musculoskeletal imaging
- Diagnostic ultrasound
- Orthopedic diagnostics
Background:
- External snapping hip syndrome is characterized by a palpable and audible snapping sensation during hip movement.
- The exact sonographic findings and diagnostic utility of dynamic ultrasound for this condition require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the dynamic sonographic findings associated with external snapping hip syndrome.
- To assess the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic sonography in identifying the underlying causes of the snapping hip.
Main Methods:
- Dynamic sonography of the hip was performed on five patients (seven cases) with symptomatic external snapping hip.
- A linear 5- to 12-MHz transducer was used during hip motion to visualize the iliotibial band and gluteus maximus muscle.
Main Results:
- Dynamic sonography identified the cause of external snapping hip in all seven cases.
- Abnormal jerky movements of the iliotibial band over the greater trochanter (5 cases) or gluteus maximus muscle (2 cases) were observed.
- Sonographic findings included hypoechogenicity and thickening of the iliotibial band in some cases, correlating with patient-reported pain.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic sonography is a valuable tool for diagnosing external snapping hip syndrome.
- It provides real-time visualization of abnormal soft tissue displacement causing the painful snap during hip motion.
