A percutaneous ultrasound-guided iliotibial band release technique reduces surgical time and costs compared to an endoscopic technique.

PURPOSE: External snapping hip is caused by the iliotibial band snapping from the greater trochanter during hip movement. The aim of this study was to compare a technique of ultrasound-guided iliotibial band release versus a similar endoscopic technique. METHODS: An anatomical study was performed on 10 cadavers i.e. 20 hips. The same operator performed ultrasound-guided and endoscopic iliotibial band release on either side of each specimen. An independent operator performed an open control to verify the outcome measures. The primary outcome was iliotibial cutting percentage, defined as the ratio of the transversal cut distance and the width of the iliotibial at the most prominent portion of the great trochanter. Secondary outcomes included nerve injuries. The surgical time was assessed and disposable medical supplies costs were estimated. RESULTS: The average cutting percentage was 95% ± 8 by ultrasound, compared with 91% ± 11 by endoscopy (n.s.). No iatrogenic lesions were found, particularly nerve damage. The average duration of the ultrasound procedure was 12.3 minutes ± 6 compared to 21 minutes ± 10.7 for endoscopy (p=0.04), with a 3-fold decrease between the first and last procedure, regardless of the technique. The ultrasound procedure was 3 times less expensive in terms of disposable medical supplies (120.5€ versus 353.5€). CONCLUSION: This technique of ultrasound-guided iliotibial band release appears to be as effective and safe as a similar endoscopic technique. The surgical time is reasonable for a surgeon trained in ultrasound, with lower disposable supplies costs. A comparative clinical study is further needed to assess the actual benefits of each technique.

External snapping hip syndrome is associated with an increased femoral offset.

BACKGROUND: External snapping hip syndrome (ESH) is postulated to be one of the causes of greater trochanteric pain syndrome, which also includes greater trochanteric bursitis and tendinopathy or tears of the hip abductor mechanism. However, it was not yet described what kind of bony morphology can cause the snapping and whether symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals have different imaging features. PURPOSE: It was the purpose of this study to look for predisposing morphological factors for ESH and to differentiate between painful and asymptomatic snapping. METHODS: A consecutive cohort with ESH and available magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between 2014 and 2019 was identified. The control group consisted of patients that underwent corrective osteotomies around the knee for mechanical axis correction and never complained of hip symptoms nor had undergone previous hip procedures. The following parameters were blindly assessed for determination of risk factors for ESH: CCD (corpus collum diaphysis) angle; femoral and global offset; femoral antetorsion; functional femoral antetorsion; translation of the greater trochanter (GT); posterior tilt of the GT; pelvic width/anterior pelvic length; intertrochanteric width. Hip and pelvic offset indexes were calculated as ratios of femoral/global offset and intertrochanteric/pelvic width, respectively. For the comparison of symptomatic and asymptomatic snapping, the following soft-tissue signs were investigated: presence of trochanteric bursitis or gluteal tendinopathy; presence of surface bony irregularities on trochanter major and ITB (Iliotibial band) thickness. RESULTS: A total of 31 hips with ESH were identified. The control group (n = 29) consisted of patients matched on both age (± 1) and gender. Multiple regression analysis determined an increased hip offset index to be independent predictor of ESH (r = + 0.283, p = 0.025), most likely due to the higher femoral offset in the ESH group (p = 0.031). Pearson correlation analysis could not identify any significant secondary factors. No differences were found between painful and asymptomatic snapping on MRI. CONCLUSIONS: A high hip offset index was found as an independent predictor for external snapping hip in our cohort, mainly due to increased femoral offset. No imaging soft-tissue related differences could be outlined between symptomatic and asymptomatic external snapping. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors   www.springer.com/00590 .

Snapping Hip Syndrome: A Comprehensive Update.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This is a comprehensive literature review regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of snapping hip syndrome (SHS). It covers the diverse etiology of the syndrome and management steps from conservative to more advanced surgical techniques. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent advances in imaging modalities may help in diagnosing and treating SHS. Additionally, arthroscopic procedures can prove beneficial in treating recalcitrant cases of SHS and have recently gained popularity due to their non-invasive nature. SUMMARY: SHS presents as an audible snap due to anatomical structures in the medial thigh compartment and hip. While often asymptomatic, in some instances, the snap is associated with pain. Its etiology can be broadly classified between external SHS and internal SHS, which involve different structures but share similar management strategies. The etiology can be differentiated by imaging and physical exam maneuvers. Treatment is recommended for symptomatic SHS and begins conservatively with physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications. Most cases resolve after 6-12 months of conservative management. However, arthroscopic procedures or open surgical management may be indicated for those with persistent pain and symptoms. Different surgical approaches are recommended when treating internal SHS vs. external SHS. Due to advancements in treatment options, symptomatic SHS commonly becomes asymptomatic following intervention.

Dolor de cadera en adolescentes: estudio y tratamiento / Hip pain in adolescent: assessment and treatment

En adolescentes que consultan por dolor de cadera o pelvis, es crucial una adecuada historia clínica para orientarnos sobre la etiología del dolor y comprender los mecanismos que lo generan. Es importante conocer y realizar un exhaustivo examen físico, con especial énfasis en la cadera, incluyendo pruebas específicas para diferentes patologías, además de comprender las indicaciones de los diferentes estudios de imágenes, para así lograr un correcto diagnóstico.Entre las causas más frecuentes de coxalgia en adolescentes debemos considerar la epifisiolisis, el pinzamiento femoroacetabular con o sin roturas del labrum, las lesiones avulsivas de la pelvis, la coxa saltans, entre otras. Aunque son poco frecuentes, patologías sistémicas como reumatológicas y oncológicas también deben ser descartadas en adolescentes. Un diagnóstico de certeza nos permitirá realizar una adecuada estrategia de tratamiento, a fin de lograr una rehabilitación precoz y evitar futuras complicaciones.

In adolescents presenting with hip or pelvis pain, an adequate medical history is crucial to guide the etiology and understand the mechanisms that generate it. It is important to know and carry out an exhaustive physical examination, with special attention to the hip, including specific tests for different pathologies, in addition to understand the indications of the different imaging studies, in order to achieve a correct diagnosis. Among the most frequent causes of hip pain in adolescents, we must rule out slipped capital femoral epiphysis, femoroacetabular impingement with or without labral tears, avulsion lesions of the pelvis, snapping hip, among others. Although rare, systemic pathologies such as rheumatologic and oncologic diseases must also be ruled out in adolescents. An accurate diagnosis will allow us to carry out an adequate treatment strategy, in order to achieve early rehabilitation and avoid future complications.

Hip Injuries in the Adolescent Athlete.

This article provides concise and up-to-date information on the most common hip pathologies that affect adolescent athletes. We cover the evaluation and treatment of avulsion injuries, stress fractures, slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), femoroacetabular impingement, developmental dysplasia of the hip, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and coxa saltans focusing on minimizing advanced imaging and using conservative therapy when applicable. Although this is not an all-encompassing list of disorders, it is key to understand these hip pathologies because these injuries occur commonly and can also have detrimental complications if not diagnosed and addressed early, especially SCFE and femoral neck stress fractures.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Iliotibial Band Release for External Coxa Saltans: A Cadaveric Study.

The surgical treatment of external coxa saltans is not standardized. Many techniques for iliotibial release have been described, both open and arthroscopic. No technique describes ultrasound release. In this cadaveric study, we describe a minimally invasive technique for percutaneous iliotibial release with ultrasound guidance, designed to be performed under local anesthesia. The future objective would be to perform an active intraoperative test of the snapping hip to confirm adequate release, thus reducing the risk of recurrence.

Surgical interventions for external snapping hip syndrome.

PURPOSE: Snapping hip is a common clinical condition, characterized by an audible or palpable snap of the hip joint. When the snap is perceived at the lateral side of the hip, this condition is known as external snapping hip or lateral coxa saltans, which is usually asymptomatic. Snapping hip syndrome (SHS) refers to a painful snap, which is more common in athletes who require increased hip range of motion. The aim of this article is to review the most common endoscopic techniques for the treatment of ESHS, as well as their results and limitations. METHODS: This is a review of the current literature of endoscopic surgical procedures and of the results of the treatment of external snapping hip syndrome. RESULTS: The pathogenesis of SHS is mechanical. The initial treatment attempt is conservative, and usually provides good results. Patients who do not respond to conservative management are candidate for surgery. The endoscopic release of the ilio-tibial band or the endoscopic release of the femoral insertion of the gluteus maximum tendon is the most popular technique. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic techniques provide fewer complications compared to open surgery, a lower recurrence rate and good clinical outcomes. More comparative studies with a longer follow-up are required to adequate evaluate the full role of endoscopic techniques in periarticular hip surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

[Arthroscopic treatment of psoas impingement]. / Arthroskopische Behandlung des Psoasimpingements.

OBJECTIVE: Tenotomy of the psoas tendon in symptomatic internal coxa saltans or psoas impingement should relieve pain. INDICATIONS: Indicated in conservative treatment-resistant internal coxa saltans and in psoas impingement. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Contraindications are symptomatic psoas pathologies in hip dysplasia patients. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Three different procedures exist with the arthroscopic technique, in which the psoas tenotomy can be performed at one of three different levels. These are the arthroscopic transcapsular, the endoscopic extra-articular, and the arthroscopic central techniques. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Forearm crutches are recommended for approximately 2-4 weeks as well as physiotherapy to strengthen the hip flexors. RESULTS: A literature-based comparison could reveal no difference between the extra-articular and transcapsular techniques. Particularly in the long term was no loss of strength evident. Various different authors describe the techniques as good, finding neither complications nor recurrence of internal snapping hip.

[Extra-articular impingement of the hip : Treatment of snapping hip by lengthening of the iliotibial band]. / Extraartikuläres Weichteilimpingement am Hüftgelenk : Verlängerungsplastik des Tractus iliotibialis zur Behandlung des Traktusschnappens.

OBJECTIVE: Snapping of the iliotibial band over the greater trochanter should be eliminated by reducing tension via lengthening, release, and incision of the iliotibial band. INDICATIONS: Positive clinical examination and painful snapping of the iliotibial band over the greater trochanter, despite extensive conservative treatments, for over 6 months. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Weakness of the abductor muscles with positive Trendelenburg sign. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Direct approach to the iliotibial tract. The snapping of the tract over the greater trochanter can be provoked and observed in situ via internal rotation and adduction of the hip. Lengthening of the iliotibial band is performed with a tongue-shape flap technique ("Griffelschachtelplastik") directly over the greater trochanter. This leads to simultaneous release and incision over the greater trochanter. Hereafter, no snapping of the tract should be observed upon motion analysis. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Pain-adapted mobilization with full weightbearing, no active abduction against resistance, and no adduction over and exceeding the 0­degree level for 6 weeks. RESULTS: The snapping of the iliotibial band could be eliminated in all cases. Apart from 2 patients with previous surgery who still complain of unimproved pain, improvement of symptoms with consequent subjective satisfaction with the outcome of surgery was reported in all cases.

Iliopsoas: Pathology, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

Disorders of the iliopsoas can be a significant source of groin pain in the athletic population. Commonly described pathologic conditions include iliopsoas bursitis, tendonitis, impingement, and snapping. The first-line treatment for iliopsoas disorders is typically conservative, including activity modification, physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections. Surgical treatment can be considered if the patient fails conservative measures and typically involves arthroscopic lengthening of the musculotendinous unit and treatment of concomitant intra-articular abnormality. Tendon release has been described: in the central compartment, in the peripheral compartment, and at the lesser trochanter, with similar outcomes observed between the techniques.

Peritrochanteric Endoscopy.

Over the last decade, there have been significant advances in endoscopic techniques for peritrochanteric disorders of the hip. Endoscopic repair of gluteus medius and minimus tears has demonstrated good to excellent results in most patients who meet surgical indications with extremely low complication rates. Treatment of coxa saltans and other peritrochanteric disorders are also described, though the literature lacks sufficient evidence to guide treatment. As our understanding of peritrochanteric disorders evolves, endoscopic intervention will continue to progress with the development of improved technology to treat these disorders and ensure good outcomes.

Iliopsoas Syndrome in Dancers.

BACKGROUND: Coxa saltans refers to a constellation of diagnoses that cause snapping of the hip and is a major cause of anterior hip pain in dancers. When the internal type is accompanied by weakness or pain, it is referred to as iliopsoas syndrome. Iliopsoas syndrome is the result of repetitive active hip flexion in abduction and can be confused with other hip pathology, most commonly of labral etiology. PURPOSE: To report the incidence, clinical findings, treatment protocol, and results of treatment for iliopsoas syndrome in a population of dancers. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A retrospective database review of 653 consecutive patients evaluated for musculoskeletal complaints over a 3-year period was completed. The diagnosis of iliopsoas syndrome was made based on anterior hip or groin pain, weakness with resisted hip flexion in abduction, or symptomatic clicking or snapping with a positive iliopsoas test. Patients identified with iliopsoas syndrome were further stratified according to age at time of onset, insidious versus acute onset, duration of symptoms, side of injury, presence of rest pain, pain with activities of daily living, and associated lower back pain. All patients diagnosed with iliopsoas syndrome underwent physical therapy, including hip flexor stretching and strengthening, pelvic mobilization, and modification of dance technique or exposure as required. RESULTS: A total of 49 dancers were diagnosed and treated for iliopsoas syndrome. Within this injured population of 653 patients, the incidence in female dancers was 9.2%, significantly higher than that in male dancers (3.2%). The mean age at the time of injury was 24.6 years. The incidence of iliopsoas syndrome in dancers younger than 18 years was 12.8%, compared with 7% in dancers older than 18 years. Student dancers had the highest incidence (14%), followed by amateur dancers (7.5%), while professional dancers had the lowest incidence (4.6%). All patients responded to conservative treatment, and no patients required corticosteroid injections or surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: This is the largest series reported to date of iliopsoas syndrome in the dance population, treated noninvasively. This study supports that conservative treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, activity modification, and a physical therapy regimen specific to the iliopsoas should be the primary treatment for patients with iliopsoas syndrome. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study supports current literature and conservative treatment of iliopsoas syndrome diagnosis. Furthermore, this study gives specific information regarding incidence of iliopsoas syndrome in dance populations and provides a test for diagnosis and an algorithm for treatment.

An unusual cause of external snapping hip.

The external snapping hip syndrome is a condition characterized by palpable or audible snap on the lateral region of the hip occurring during movements and sometimes associated with pain. It is typical of young adults and athletes and can be favored by the abnormal sliding of the iliotibial band or of the gluteus maximus muscle over the greater trochanter. We present a case of external snapping hip syndrome occurring in a young woman secondary to a dysmorphic sickle-shaped myotendinous junction of the gluteus maximus muscle. Diagnosis was allowed by an integrated clinical and radiological approach, based on dynamic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Extra-articular Snapping Hip: A Literature Review.

CONTEXT: Snapping hip, or coxa saltans, is a vague term used to describe palpable or auditory snapping with hip movements. As increasing attention is paid to intra-articular hip pathologies such as acetabular labral tears, it is important to be able to identify and understand the extra-articular causes of snapping hip. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The search terms snapping hip and coxa sultans were used in PubMed to locate suitable studies of any publication date (ending date, November 2008). RESULTS: Extra-articular snapping may be caused laterally by the iliotibial band or anteriorly by the iliopsoas tendon. Snapping of the iliopsoas tendon usually requires contraction of the hip flexors and may be difficult to differentiate from intra-articular causes of snapping. Dynamic ultrasound can help detect abrupt tendon translation during movement, noninvasively supporting the diagnosis of extra-articular snapping hip. The majority of cases of snapping hip resolve with conservative treatment, which includes avoidance of aggravating activities, stretching, and anti-inflammatory medication. In recalcitrant cases, surgery to lengthen the iliotibial band or the iliopsoas tendon has produced symptom relief but may result in prolonged weakness. CONCLUSIONS: In treating active patients with snapping soft tissues around the hip, clinicians should recognize that the majority of cases resolve without surgical intervention, while being mindful of the potential for concomitant intra-articular and internal snapping hips.

Lateral hip pain in an athletic population: differential diagnosis and treatment options.

CONTEXT: Historically, the term greater trochanteric pain syndrome has been used to describe a spectrum of conditions that cause lateral-sided hip pain, including greater trochanteric bursitis, snapping iliotibial band, and/or strains or tendinopathy of the abductor mechanism. Diagnosis of these conditions may be difficult because clinical presentations are variable and sometimes inconclusive. Especially difficult is differentiating intrinsic pain from pain referred to the greater trochanteric region. The purposes of this article are to review the relevant anatomy and pathophysiology of the lateral hip. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Data were collected through a thorough review of the literature conducted through a MEDLINE search of all relevant papers between 1980 and January 2010. RESULTS: Recent advances in imaging and an improved understanding of pathomechanics have helped to guide the evaluation, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment for patients presenting with lateral hip pain. CONCLUSION: Various diagnostic tools and treatment modalities can be used to effectively manage the athletic patient presenting with lateral hip pain.