Snapping hip syndrome: a systematic review of surgical treatment

Snapping hip is characterised by an audible snap, often accompanied by pain, which usually occurs on flexion and extension of the hip during exercise or everyday activities. The causes of snapping hip can be classified as external, internal and intra-articular. The incidence of asymptomatic snapping hip in the population is not known, and the incidence of symptomatic cases has not been adequately established. Painless snapping hip is common in the general population. Symptomatic snapping hip, with accompanying pain and weakness, is usually seen in those who take part in physical activities such as ballet and running. The clinician's aim is to determine the cause and to treat patients with symptomatic snapping hip, so that they are able to return to their activities or to peak sporting performance. Most patients with snapping hip can be managed conservatively. Surgical treatment may nevertheless be indicated if the condition becomes chronically symptomatic. Arthroscopy may prove useful in treating the intra-articular lesions that cause tenderness. Various techniques have been described, with varying degrees of success. The aim is to use the least invasive technique, with the lowest complication rate, that corrects the painful snapping, according to the characteristics of the individual patient. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the results of surgical treatment of snapping hip when conservative treatment fails.
Source: “Hip International”, February 2017