Editorial Commentary: Hip-Spine Syndrome: When the Hip Does Not Move, the Spine Labors Double.

When the hip does not move, the spine labors double. For example, limited hip extension results in lumbar spine hyperextension and an increase in spinal facet joint loading due to premature coupling. Patients who undergo hip surgery show significant improvement in concomitant lower back problems, and symptomatic low back pain resolves in approximately 80% of patients after total hip arthroplasty. When an impairment in hip range of motion (limitation or asymmetry) is identified, a logical relationship to lumbar pathology should be explored, and treatment options may include interventions that improve hip joint range of motion.

Accuracy of 3 Clinical Tests to Diagnose Proximal Hamstrings Tears With and Without Sciatic Nerve Involvement in Patients With Posterior Hip Pain.

PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the active hamstring test at 30° (A-30) and 90° (A-90) of knee flexion, the long stride heel strike (LSHS) test, and combination of the 3 tests for individuals with hamstring tendon tears, with and without sciatic nerve involvement. METHODS: A retrospective review of 564 consecutive clinical records identified 42 subjects with a mean age of 50.31 ± 15 years who underwent a standard physical examination prior to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation and diagnostic injection for posterior hip. The physical examination included the A-30, A-90, and LSHS tests. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were calculated to determine the diagnostic accuracy of these 3 tests. RESULTS: Forty-two subjects (female = 32 and male = 10) with a mean age of 50.31 years (range 15-77, ± SD 14.52) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Based on MRI and/or injection, 64.28% (27/42) of subjects were diagnosed with hamstring tear. Fourteen (51.85%) presented with sciatic nerve involvement. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio for each test were as follows: A-30 knee flexion: 0.73, 0.97, 23.43, 0.28, and 84.73; A-90 knee flexion: 0.62, 0.97, 20.00, 0.39, and 51.67; LSHS: 0.55, 0.73, 2.08, 0.61, and 3.44. The most accurate findings were obtained when the results of the A-30 and A-90 were combined, with sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio of 0.84, 0.97, 26.86, 0.17, and 161.89, respectively. CONCLUSION: The combination of the active hamstring A-30 and A-90 tests proved to be a highly accurate and valuable tool to diagnose proximal hamstring tendons tears with or without sciatic nerve involvement in subjects presenting with posterior hip pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study.

The Hip-Spine Effect: A Biomechanical Study of Ischiofemoral Impingement Effect on Lumbar Facet Joints.

PURPOSE: To assess the relation between ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) and lumbar facet joint load during hip extension in cadavers. METHODS: Twelve hips in 6 fresh T1-to-toes cadaveric specimens were tested. A complete pretesting imaging evaluation was performed using computed tomography scan. Cadavers were positioned in lateral decubitus and fixed to a dissection table. Both legs were placed on a frame in a simulated walking position. Through a posterior lumbar spine approach L3-4 and L4-5 facet joints were dissected bilaterally. In addition, through a posterolateral approach to the hip, the space between the ischium and the lesser trochanter was dissected and measured. Ultrasensitive, and previously validated, piezoresistive force sensors were placed in lumbar facet joints of L3-4 and L4-5. Lumbar facet loads during hip extension were measured in native hip conditions and after simulating IFI by performing lesser trochanter osteotomy and lengthening. Four paired t-tests were performed comparing normal and simulated IFI on the L3-L4 and L4-L5 facet joint loads. RESULTS: After simulating IFI, mean absolute differences of facet joint load were 10.8 N (standard error of the mean [SEM] ±4.53, P = .036) for L3-4 at 10° of hip extension, 13.71 N (SEM ±4.53, P = .012) for L3-4 at 20° of hip extension, 11.49 N (SEM ±4.33, P = .024) for L4-5 at 10° of hip extension, and 6.67 N (SEM ±5.43, P = .245) for L4-5 at 20° of hip extension. A statistically significant increase in L3-4 and L4-5 lumbar facet joint loads of 30.81% was found in the IFI state as compared with the native state during terminal hip extension. CONCLUSIONS: Limited terminal hip extension due to simulated IFI significantly increases L3-4 and L4-5 lumbar facet joint load when compared with non-IFI native hips. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This biomechanical study directly links IFI to increased lumbar facet loads and supports the clinical findings of IFI causing lumbar pathology. Assessing and treating (open or endoscopic) hip disorders that limit extension could have benefit in patients with concomitant lower back symptoms.

Contribution of the Pubofemoral Ligament to Hip Stability: A Biomechanical Study.

PURPOSE: To determine the isolated function of the pubofemoral ligament of the hip capsule and its contribution to hip stability in external/internal rotational motion during flexion greater than 30° and abduction. METHODS: Thirteen hips from 7 fresh-frozen pelvis-to-toe cadavers were skeletonized from the lumbar spine to the distal femur with the capsular ligaments intact. Computed tomographic imaging was performed to ensure no occult pathological state existed, and assess bony anatomy. Specimens were placed on a surgical table in supine position with lower extremities resting on a custom-designed polyvinylchloride frame. Hip internal and external rotation was measured with the hip placed into a combination of the following motions: 30°, 60°, 110° hip flexion and 0°, 20°, 40° abduction. Testing positions were randomized. The pubofemoral ligament was released and measurements were repeated, followed by releasing the ligamentum teres. RESULTS: Analysis of the 2,106 measurements recorded demonstrates the pubofemoral ligament as a main controller of hip internal rotation during hip flexion beyond 30° and abduction. Hip internal rotation was increased up to 438.9% (P < .001) when the pubofemoral ligament was released and 412.9% (P < .001) when both the pubofemoral and teres ligament were released, compared with the native state. CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis of the pubofemoral ligament as one of the contributing factors of anterior inferior hip stability by controlling external rotation of the hip in flexion beyond 30° and abduction was disproved. The pubofemoral ligament maintains a key function in limiting internal rotation in the position of increasing hip flexion beyond 30° and abduction. This cadaveric study concludes previous attempts at understanding the anatomical and biomechanical function of the capsular ligaments and their role in hip stability. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present study contributes to the understanding of hip stability and biomechanical function of the pubofemoral ligament.

Influence of Aging on Microvascular Supply of the Gluteus Medius Tendon: A Cadaveric and Histologic Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this cadaveric study was to assess the relation between age and microvascular supply of 3 areas of the gluteus medius tendon using a previously validated CD31 immunohistochemistry staining technique. METHODS: Twenty-four fresh-frozen gluteus medius specimens were obtained through a posterolateral approach to the hip. Specimens aged 18 years or older, of either sex, and of any race were considered for this study. The average age of donors was 47.3 years (range, 18-68 years). Each sample was divided into 3 portions: musculotendinous, tendinous, and tendon-bone junction. H&E staining was used for qualitative structural analysis, and then all samples underwent staining with CD31 immunohistochemistry for quantitative assessment of vessels per square millimeter. A comparison of the microvessel density between zones according to age was performed by an analysis of variance. To evaluate the relation between microvessel supply and age, a regression model with curvilinear estimation was used. The data were fitted to a quadratic model. RESULTS: Vascular supply in transversal and longitudinal cuts regardless of the zone was, on average, 53.9 ± 32.1 vessels/mm2 and 51.1 ± 19.3 vessels/mm2, respectively. All the areas of the tendon showed a strength of relation (R) ranging from 0.41 to 0.76 between age and vascular supply. In addition, the proportion of vascular supply change explained by age (R2) was significant in most cases (ranging from 0.17 to 0.56, with P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: There is a chronological relation between aging and microvascular supply of the gluteus medius tendon, in which an initial increase occurs from 18 years of age to 30 to 40 years of age, with a progressive decrease after 50 years of age. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The findings of our study may have implications for increased vulnerability of the gluteus medius tendon and decreased healing potential.

Femoral Neck Anteversion and Lesser Trochanteric Retroversion in Patients With Ischiofemoral Impingement: A Case-Control Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between the femoral neck version (FNV) and lesser trochanteric version (LTV) in symptomatic patients with ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) as compared with asymptomatic hips. METHODS: The FNV and LTV of patients with symptomatic IFI who underwent magnetic resonance imaging assessment including a standardized femoral version study protocol were compared with those of patients with asymptomatic hips in this retrospective, observational study. Patients with isolated intra-articular pathology, prior hip fracture, and lesser trochanter deformity were excluded. The FNV, LTV, ischiofemoral space, and quadratus femoris space were evaluated on axial magnetic resonance imaging, as well as the angle between the LTV and the FNV. Independent t-tests were used to determine differences between groups. RESULTS: Data from 11 out 15 symptomatic patients and 250 out of 320 asymptomatic patients were analyzed. The mean ischiofemoral space (11.9 v 22.9 mm; P < .001; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.9 to 15.2) and mean quadratus femoris space (7.2 mm v 14.9 mm; P < .001; 95% CI, 5.4 to 8.6) were significantly smaller in symptomatic patients versus asymptomatic patients. There was no difference in mean LTV between groups (-23.6° v -24.2°; P = .8; 95% CI, -7.5 to 6.4), however, the mean FNV (21.7° v 14.1°; P = .02; 95% CI, -14.2 to -1.1) and the angle between the FNV and LTV on average (45.4° v 38.3°; P = .01; 95% CI, -12.9 to -1.3) were higher in symptomatic than in asymptomatic patients, with statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The femoral mean neck anteversion and the mean angle between the FNV and LTV are significantly higher in patients with symptomatic IFI. The mean LTV is not increased in patients with symptomatic ischiofemoral impingement as compared with those patients with asymptomatic hips. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study.

Accuracy of 2 Clinical Tests for Ischiofemoral Impingement in Patients With Posterior Hip Pain and Endoscopically Confirmed Diagnosis.

PURPOSE: To establish the accuracy of the long-stride walking (LSW) and ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) tests for diagnosing IFI in patients whose primary symptom is posterior hip pain. METHODS: Confirmed IFI cases and cases in which IFI had been ruled out were identified considering imaging, injections, and endoscopic assessment, combined with pain relief and negative IFI-specific tests after treatment. Demographic data, duration of symptoms, pain location, ischiofemoral space, quadratus femoris space, quadratus femoris edema, surgical findings, and visual analog scale score for pain before and after treatment were computed for all patients included in this study. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratios were computed individually for the LSW test and IFI test. RESULTS: Cases from 1,166 consecutive hip operations and charts from 564 consecutive outpatients were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients who underwent injection and/or endoscopic surgery because of posterior hip pain. Thirty individuals (21 women and 9 men) with a mean age of 49.8 years (range, 20 to 76 years; standard deviation, 13.0 years) were included for analysis. Of the 30 patients, 17 (56.6%) were confirmed as positive for IFI and 13 (43.4%) were confirmed as negative for IFI. The IFI test had a sensitivity of 0.82, specificity of 0.85, positive predictive value of 0.88, negative predictive value of 0.79, positive likelihood ratio of 5.35, negative likelihood ratio of 0.21, and diagnostic odds ratio of 25.6. The LSW test had a sensitivity of 0.94, specificity of 0.85, positive predictive value of 0.89, negative predictive value of 0.92, positive likelihood ratio of 6.12, negative likelihood ratio of 0.07, and diagnostic odds ratio of 88.8. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with complaints of posterior hip pain and negative evaluation findings for lumbosacral spine involvement or static/dynamic mechanical axis malalignment, the IFI and LSW tests are highly accurate to help identify those with or without IFI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study.

Sagittal Pelvic Tilt Directly Influences the Ischiofemoral Space: A Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND: Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) is understood to be a pain generator in the deep gluteal space. Femoral position is known to influence the ischiofemoral space (IFS), but there has been no study examining the effect of sagittal pelvic tilt on the IFS. The purpose of this study was to determine whether changes in pelvic tilt in the sagittal plane lead to changes in the dimensions of the IFS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five fresh frozen cadavers (10 hips) were used for this anatomic study. The specimens were skeletonized and placed in the prone position with the pelvis fixed to a custom-built hinged table. A digital inclinometer was used to tilt the pelvis -10°, 0°, and 10° simulating posterior, neutral, and anterior pelvic tilt, respectively. Digital calipers were used to measure the dimensions of the IFS in all three positions of sagittal pelvic tilt. RESULTS: Changes in pelvic tilt resulted in significant changes in the dimensions of the IFS. Mean IFS dimensions measured 29.3±9.7 mm, 37.2±9.0 mm, and 24.3±9.2 mm in the neutral, anterior, and posterior pelvic tilt positions, respectively (P<.0001). CONCLUSION: Changes in sagittal pelvic tilt influence the dimensions of the IFS, with posterior pelvic tilt noted to significantly decrease the IFS when compared with neutral and anterior pelvic tilt. These findings suggest that further evaluation of sagittal spinopelvic balance in the etiology of symptomatic IFI may be warranted. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(3):167-171.].

Regrowth of the psoas tendon after arthroscopic tenotomy: a magnetic resonance imaging study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the psoas tendon regenerates after arthroscopic tenotomy through the central compartment of the hip in patients with internal snapping hip. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with a snapping hip, aged 18 to 54 years (mean, 37.47 years), underwent arthroscopic tenotomy through the central compartment of the hip; all patients had symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement as well. The degree of regeneration was evaluated by preoperative and postoperative measurements of the tendon perimeter with a magnetic resonance imaging protocol in patients with more than 6 months' follow-up. In addition, function was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score. Postoperative active flexion force was graded clinically between 1 and 5 with the Medical Research Council score. RESULTS: Eight patients had less than 6 months' follow-up, and they were excluded. The remaining 19 patients were evaluated after a mean follow-up period of 23.16 months (SD, 12.95 months). Tendon regeneration occurred in all patients. Compared with preoperative measurement, the psoas tendon circumference had recovered by 84.3% on average (55.44 ± 5.68 mm v 46.71 ± 6.05 mm, P < .001). Pain improved in all patients, and the mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score fell from 49 ± 15.9 points to 10.74 ± 11.35 points (P < .001). Muscle force recovered completely in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: There is a process of tissular repair after psoas tenotomy, and the findings on magnetic resonance imaging suggest that tendon tissue regrowth occurs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Iliopsoas Muscle/Tendon Proportions at Three Levels of Described Arthroscopic Tenotomy: An Anatomic Study in Fresh Cadaveric Specimens.

PURPOSE: To calculate the iliopsoas muscle/tendon ratio at 3 levels of arthroscopic iliopsoas tenotomy sites in fresh cadaveric specimens. METHODS: An anatomic study design was performed using 16 iliopsoas musculotendinous units from the level of the hip joint to their insertion on the lesser trochanter. All specimens came from 16 fresh cadaveric specimens (10 male, 6 female), with a median age of 41 years (range 31-55.25 years). Circumferential measurements of the composite musculotendinous unit and the iliopsoas tendon were then made at the lesser trochanter insertion, the site of transcapsular tenotomy, and the site of tenotomy at the level of the labrum. Anatomical variance of the iliopsoas tendon at the insertion on the lesser trochanter and muscular extension below the lesser trochanter level also were described. The difference between the median circumference of the iliopsoas musculotendinous units or the isolated tendons at the 3 levels was calculated. RESULTS: The median circumference of the iliopsoas musculotendinous unit at the level of the labrum, orbicularis zone (transcapsular tenotomy site), and the lesser trochanter was 140.9 mm (range 137.9-148.9), 136.7 mm (range 132.9-140), and 99.5 mm (range 96.5-104.8), respectively. The median circumference of the iliopsoas tendon at these same levels was 25.6 mm (range 22.7-33.7), 28.9 mm (range 25.1-32.2), and 30.9 mm (range 27.9-36.1), respectively. Accordingly, the proportions of the iliopsoas muscle/tendon at the level of the labrum, the transcapsular tenotomy site, and the lesser trochanter insertion were 18% tendon/82% muscle, 21% tendon/79% muscle, and 31% tendon/69% muscle, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The proportions of the iliopsoas muscle/tendon at the level of the labrum, the transcapsular tenotomy site and the lesser trochanter insertion were 18% tendon/82% muscle, 21% tendon/79% muscle, and 31% tendon/69% muscle, respectively. The distal muscular projection below the tendinous insertion on the lesser trochanter may maintain the functional connection of the iliopsoas between origin and insertion even after releasing the tendon. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This finding may have implications for a new understanding of arthroscopic tenotomy of the iliopsoas around the hip, as previously described muscle/tendon proportions were not calculated in fresh cadavers.

Carbon dioxide gas endoscopy of the deep gluteal space.

The treatment of hip and pelvic pain associated with abnormalities of the deep gluteal space has evolved and increasingly involves endoscopic techniques with a saline expansion medium. This investigation presents a surgical technique utilizing carbon dioxide as the insufflation medium for deep gluteal space endoscopy in 17 cadaveric hips. This technique was successful in 94% (16/17) of the hips, allowing for visualization of the sciatic nerve, posterior femoral cutaneous nerve, pudendal nerve, branch of the inferior gluteal artery crossing the sciatic nerve, piriformis muscle, hamstring tendon origin, and lesser trochanter. Our experience suggests that gas expansion presents several advantages over fluid expansion.

Cognitive behavioral therapy reduces illness perceptions and anxiety symptoms in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysm.

The main purpose of this study was to assess the relation between cognitive behavioral therapy and possible changes in illness perceptions and anxiety in patients diagnosed with unruptured intracranial aneurysm. An observational study of an intervention with 67 patients with an unruptured intracranial aneurysm from two medical centers in a Colombian city (n = 35 on the intervention group) was carried out. To assess changes, measurements were taken at baseline and at one-year follow-up with the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Illness Perception Questionnaire, brief version, taking into account the importance of perceptions in the process of adjusting to illness and acquiring healthy life habits. Hypotheses were tested by a structural model. The results obtained from this study showed that illness perceptions were related to anxiety levels at both time points; however, the relations were stronger before cognitive behavioral therapy (ßt0 = 0.61, p < 0.01; ßt1 = 0.37, p < 0.01). Cognitive behavioral therapy was found to be a moderator of changes in both illness perceptions and anxiety at the time of follow-up (ß = -0.31, p < 0.01; ß = -0.26, p < 0.01). The structural model suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy is associated with less anxiety (ß = -0.17, p < 0.05) and better illness perceptions (ß = -0.35, p < 0.01) in patients diagnosed with unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Personality and anxiety are related to health-related quality of life in unruptured intracranial aneurysm patients selected for non-intervention: A cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Personality traits and mental health problems have been previously reported in unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) patients; however, few studies have clarified the relations between these variables and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study was designed to characterize the personality traits, HRQoL and mental health of patients with UIA and to evaluate whether personality has an influence on HRQoL and whether this is mediated by the patients' emotional symptoms. METHODS: Sixty-three patients with UIAs (mean age 62.6 years, 83.9% women) answered questionnaires for depression, anxiety, HRQoL and personality traits between June 2016 and May 2019. RESULTS: Eight percent of the sample had depression, and 27.4% had anxiety. Participants showed high levels of responsibility, kindness and neuroticism and low levels of extraversion and openness. HRQoL scores were normal compared with the Colombian population. Structural equation analysis showed that patients' HRQoL was negatively affected by anxiety levels and that the latter are associated with the patient's personality, where neuroticism is directly associated with symptomatology and inversely associated with extraversion. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed the importance of personality and emotional symptoms in the HRQoL of UIA patients. These results are important for developing strategies for psychological counseling in patients with UIAs.

Reliability of the Arthroscopic Classifications of Hip Chondral Lesions.

Objective To evaluate the inter- and intraobserver reliability of the Outerbridge, Beck, and Haddad classifications for acetabular joint cartilage lesions through the arthroscopic procedure. Methods A total of 60 hip arthroscopy videos were evaluated twice by 4 surgeons at 2 different times to assess the inter- and intraobserver reproducibility of the classifications, and the data was analyzed by means of the weighted Cohen Kappa index. Results The mean weighted Kappa values in the interobserver assessment of the Outerbridge, Beck, and Haddad classifications were, respectively, 0.72, 0.78, and 0.68. The three classifications were considered as presenting good interobserver agreement. Regarding the intraobserver assessment of the Outerbridge, Beck, and Haddad classifications, the weighted Kappa values were, respectively, 0.9, 0.9, and 0.93. The three classifications were considered as presenting excellent intraobserver agreement. Conclusion In the present series, the Outerbridge, Beck, and Haddad classifications presented good interobserver reproducibility and excellent intraobserver reproducibility when evaluating acetabular chondral lesions by the arthroscopic approach.

Current Concepts Review: Evaluation and Management of Posterior Hip Pain.

Understanding the etiology of and evolving research on intra- and extra-articular hip complaints requires comprehensive diagnosis and management of the spectrum of posterior hip diseases. Interest in posterior hip disorders has increased in recent years as new studies and theories have emerged regarding the disease process. Although most of the differential diagnoses around the posterior hip have traditionally been considered uncommon, recent reports suggest that these complaints have instead been commonly overlooked. Failure to identify the cause of posterior hip pain in a timely manner can increase pain perception, deteriorate the patient's hope, and consequently affect quality of life. Posterior hip pain could be differentiated as intrapelvic and extrapelvic, and differential diagnosis is made based on a comprehensive history, physical examination, and imaging studies. Plain radiography, CT, MRI, 3T MRI, and imaging-guided injection tests are usually necessary for accurate diagnosis. Surgical intervention, whether endoscopic or open, is required for patients with long-standing symptoms for whom nonsurgical treatment has been unsuccessful and who have experienced temporary relief of their symptoms after injection. Orthopedic surgeons are uniquely trained in understanding the anatomy, biomechanics, clinical evaluation and treatment of all five layers of the hip.

The effects of hip abduction on sciatic nerve biomechanics during terminal hip flexion.

Terminal hip flexion contributes to increased strain in peripheral nerves at the level of the hip joint. The effects of hip abduction and femoral version on sciatic nerve biomechanics are not well understood. A decrease in sciatic nerve strain will be observed during terminal hip flexion and hip abduction, independent of femoral version. Six un-embalmed human cadavers were utilized. Three Differential Variable Reluctance Transducers (DVRTs) sensors were placed on the sciatic nerve while the leg was flexed to 70° with a combination of - 10°, 0°, 20° and 40° adduction/abduction. DVRT placement included: (i) under piriformis, (ii) immediately distal to the gemelli/obturator, (iii) four centimeters distal to sensor two. A de-rotational osteotomy to decrease femoral version 10° was performed, and sciatic nerve strain was measured by the same procedure. Data were analyzed with three-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post-hoc analysis to identify differences in the mean values of sciatic nerve strain between native and decreased version state, hip abduction angle and DVRT sensor location. Significant main effects were observed for femoral version (P = 0.04) and DVRT sensor location (P = 0.01). Sciatic nerve strain decreased during terminal hip flexion and abduction in the decreased version state. An 84.23% decrease in sciatic nerve strain was observed during hip abduction from neutral to 40° in the presence of decreased version at terminal hip flexion. The results obtained from this study confirm the role of decreased femoral version and hip abduction at terminal hip flexion to decrease the strain in the sciatic nerve.

Deep gluteal syndrome.

Deep gluteal syndrome describes the presence of pain in the buttock caused from non-discogenic and extrapelvic entrapment of the sciatic nerve. Several structures can be involved in sciatic nerve entrapment within the gluteal space. A comprehensive history and physical examination can orientate the specific site where the sciatic nerve is entrapped, as well as several radiological signs that support the suspected diagnosis. Failure to identify the cause of pain in a timely manner can increase pain perception, and affect mental control, patient hope and consequently quality of life. This review presents a comprehensive approach to the patient with deep gluteal syndrome in order to improve the understanding of posterior hip anatomy, nerve kinematics, clinical manifestations, imaging findings, differential diagnosis and treatment considerations.

Dry Endoscopic-Assisted Mini-Open Approach With Neuromonitoring for Chronic Hamstring Avulsions and Ischial Tunnel Syndrome.

Chronic hamstring origin avulsions and ischial tunnel syndrome are common causes of posterior hip pain. Although physical therapy has shown benefits in some cases, recent evidence has reported better outcomes with surgical treatment in appropriately selected patients. The full-open approach has been the classic procedure to address this problem. However, the complications related to extensive tissue exposure and the proximity of the incision to the perianal zone have led to the description of full-endoscopic techniques. Achieving an accurate hamstring repair could be technically demanding with a full-endoscopic procedure. Accurate reattachment is crucial in hamstring repair because of the functional demand of the muscles crossing of 2 major joints (hip and knee). This surgical note describes a mixed technique including a mini-open approach, neuromonitoring, and dry endoscopic-assisted repair of the hamstring origin as an alternative for treating patients with chronic hamstring avulsions and ischial tunnel syndrome that remain symptomatic despite nonoperative treatment.

Is there a relationship between psoas impingement and increased trochanteric retroversion?

The concept of psoas impingement secondary to a tight or inflamed iliopsoas tendon causing impingement of the anterior labrum during hip extension has been suggested. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the lesser trochanteric version (LTV) in symptomatic patients with psoas impingement as compared with asymptomatic hips. The femoral neck version (FNV) and LTV were evaluated on axial magnetic resonance imaging, as well as the angle between LTV and FNV. Data from 12 symptomatic patients and 250 asymptomatic patients were analysed. The mean, range and standard deviations were calculated. Independent t-tests were used to determine differences between groups. The lesser trochanteric retroversion was significantly increased in patients with psoas impingement as compared with asymptomatic hips (-31.1° SD ± 6.5 versus -24.2° ± 11.5, P < 0.05). The FNV (9° ± 8.8 versus 14.1° ± 10.7, P > 0.05) and the angle between FNV and LTV (40.2° ± 9.7 versus 38.3° ± 9.6, P > 0.05) were not significantly different between groups. In conclusion, the lesser trochanteric retroversion is significantly increased in patients with psoas impingement as compared with asymptomatic hips.