Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Author Spotlight: A Novel 3D-Printed Titanium Implant for Minimally Invasive Treatment of Hip Dysplasia in Young Dogs
Published on: April 19, 2024
Comparison of arthroscopic versus open surgery on external snapping hip caused by gluteal muscle contracture
Zhu Dai1, Zhiwei Chen1, Ying Liao1
1Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan - China.
Purpose:
To compare the outcomes of contracture release by arthroscopic versus open surgical approach in patients with external snapping hip (ESH) caused by gluteal muscle contracture (GMC).
Methods:
Medical records of patients with ESH due to GMC who underwent open surgery (n = 44) or arthroscopic surgery (n = 48) between October 2008 and October 2014 were reviewed. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Operation time, incision length, postoperative pain, postoperative complication rate, and recurrence rate were compared between the 2 groups. Hip adduction, and Harris Hip Scores (HHS) at 1 and 2 years postoperatively were compared between the groups and with preoperative data.
Results:
Mean operation time did not differ between the 2 groups (p>0.05). The arthroscopic surgery group had smaller incisions (p<0.05), less postoperative pain (p<0.05), lower complication rates (p<0.05) than did the open surgery group. The recurrence rates were similar for the 2 groups (p>0.05). Hip adduction, and HHS 1 year and 2 years postoperatively were significantly better postoperatively than they had been preoperatively for both groups (all p<0.01), and were similar for the 2 groups (all p>0.05).
Conclusions:
Arthroscopic release of contracture tissue is a safe and effective approach for the treatment of ESH caused by GMC, with the advantages of small scars, less postoperative pain, fewer complications compared with open surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Peripherally and Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: A Comparison
Centrally acting muscle relaxants can be further divided into spasmolytic and antispasmodic drugs. Spasmolytic...
Work Done on a System by External Force
In the presence of a non-conservative opposing force, like friction, some part of the work done...
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
Internal and External Forces
External and Internal Respiration
External Anatomy of the Kidney
The kidneys are located in the retroperitoneal space on either side of the vertebral column, protected posteriorly by the 11th and 12th ribs. The right kidney sits slightly lower than the left owing to the presence of the liver...

