Diagnosis and management of traumatic and atraumatic hip instability in the athletic patient

Although relatively uncommon compared with the shoulder, hip instability can be a source of significant disability and is a commonly unrecognized injury. Hip instability can be traumatic or atraumatic in origin. Our understanding and treatment plan for hip instability due to traumatic events is well established. However, our understanding and treatment modalities for hip instability due to atraumatic events or repetitive motion in high level athletes are not as well defined. In this article, we will review the spectrum of traumatic and atraumatic hip instability and discuss the relevant anatomy, history, and physical examination findings, imaging studies, and treatment options with a focus on hip arthroscopy, and review of the literature.