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Extra-articular Snapping Hip: A Literature Review.
1Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.
Sports Health
|September 28, 2012
Summary
Snapping hip (coxa saltans) often stems from external causes like the iliotibial band or iliopsoas tendon. Most cases resolve with conservative treatment, avoiding surgery for snapping hip pain.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Musculoskeletal Imaging
Background:
- Snapping hip, or coxa saltans, is characterized by palpable or audible snapping during hip movement.
- Increasing focus on intra-articular hip pathologies necessitates understanding extra-articular causes of snapping hip.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on extra-articular snapping hip causes, diagnosis, and management.
- To differentiate extra-articular snapping hip from intra-articular pathologies.
Main Methods:
- A PubMed search using terms 'snapping hip' and 'coxa sultans' was conducted.
- Studies of any publication date up to November 2008 were included.
Main Results:
- Extra-articular snapping is commonly caused by the iliotibial band (lateral) or iliopsoas tendon (anterior).
- Dynamic ultrasound aids in diagnosing snapping hip by detecting tendon translation.
- Conservative treatment (activity modification, stretching, anti-inflammatories) resolves most cases.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians should consider extra-articular causes in active patients with snapping hip.
- The majority of snapping hip cases resolve without surgery.
- Be aware of potential coexisting intra-articular hip conditions.
