The Snapping Hip

Abstract

The snapping hip syndrome is a symptom complex characterized by an audible snapping sensation usually, but not necessarily, associated with hip pain during certain movements of the hip joint. A number of different aetiologies, both intraarticular and extraarticular have been described. Intraarticular causes for the snapping hip include loose bodies, osteocartilaginous exostosis, osteochondromatosis and subluxation of the hip. Extraarticular causes for the snapping hip are described in this paper (Tab. I). Due to localization of the causes, three different syndromes are described: the medial (internal), the lateral (external), and the posterior snapping hip syndrome. The authors describe diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of these syndromes. Successful results in the treatment of lateral snapping hip syndrome with the iliotibial tract fenestration method are also reported.