Endoscopic gluteus maximus tendon release for external snapping hip syndrome: a functional assessment

Purpose The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the clinical follow-up of patients with external snapping hip syndrome (ESHS) treated with endoscopic gluteus maximus tendon release and to compare the residual muscular strength and thigh circumference as an indirect outcome measure. Methods Patients of all ages with external snapping hip syndrome were treated with endoscopic gluteus maximus tendon release. Outcome measures evaluated included: visual analog scale (VAS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS). The gluteus maximus strength and the circumference of the thigh were also evaluated. Results Among 25 patients, 23 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and one patient was lost to follow-up. The series included 22 patients, 6 males and 16 females with a mean age of 27.9 ± 13.4 years (range 16–76 years). All patients had resolution of the snapping symptoms after the procedure. The mean follow-up was 18 ± 9.3 months. All outcomes improved in a statistically significant manner: VAS value decreased from 6.8 (range 6–8) to 0.6 (range 0–4) (p < 0.001), mHHS increased from 48.6 (range 17.6–67) to 88.2 (range 67–94.6) (p < 0.001), NAHS increased from 49.0 (range 21.5–66) to 90.8 (range 66–98.75) (p < 0.001). A statistically significant reduction of operated limb thigh circumference compared to the contralateral side (3.7%) was also found, while there were no statistical differences regarding the strength of gluteus maximus muscles. Conclusions Endoscopic gluteus maximus tendon release is an excellent surgical option to treat snapping hip syndrome. The evaluated muscle strength revealed no functional impairment. The significance of the limb circumference reduction has yet to be determined. Level of evidence IV: retrospective comparative trial.

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.

Mid- to long-term clinical outcomes of arthroscopic surgery for external snapping hip syndrome

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the outcomes of arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of external snapping hip at 2- to 10-year follow-ups. Eighteen patients with refractory external snapping hip treated by arthroscopic surgery were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients underwent unsuccessful conservative treatment for more than 3 months before surgery. We made diamond-shaped defects on the iliotibial band and resected peripheral fibrosis tissues for iliotibial band release with an arthroscopic approach. The visual analog scale (VAS), modified Harris hip score and return to previous level of activity were evaluated as functional outcomes. In addition, residual discomfort or the presentation of complications was also investigated. The average follow up period was 7 years. The modified Harris hip score increased from 70.08 preoperatively to 93.14 postoperatively, and the VAS score decreased from 3.67 preoperatively to 1.17 2 weeks after the operation and declined to 0.33 at the last follow-up. Neither recurrence of snaps nor complications were recorded. Two patients complained of a tight sensation with tenderness after exertion. Our clinical outcomes were compatible with those of previous studies, and no long-term complications were noted, even with a relatively longer follow-up period than what was reported in previous studies. Arthroscopic surgery is a safe and effective treatment that can provide promising long-term clinical outcomes for patients with refractory external snapping hip.

Pathogenesis and contemporary diagnoses for lateral hip pain: a scoping review

Purpose Recent advances in diagnostic imaging techniques and soft tissue endoscopy now allow for precise diagnosis and management of extra-articular hip pathology. The aim of this scoping review is to present an evidence-based update of the relevant literature focussing only on the pathoanatomy, clinical assessment and the diagnosis of pathology in the peritrochanteric space. Methods A literature search was performed on PubMed to include articles which reported on the anatomy and diagnosis of greater trochanteric pain syndrome, trochanteric bursitis, gluteus medius tears and external snapping hip syndrome. Results A total of 542 studies were identified, of which 49 articles were included for full text analysis for the scoping review. Peritrochanteric space pathology can be broadly classified into (1) greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), (2) abductor tears and (3) external snapping hip syndrome. Anatomically, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and tensor fascia lata work in conjunction to abduct and internally rotate the hip. The anterolateral part of the gluteus medius tendon is more prone to tears due to a thin tendinous portion. Increased acetabular anteversion has also been shown to be associated with gluteal and trochanteric bursitis. In terms of clinical examination, tests which were found to be most useful for assisting in the diagnoses of lateral hip pain were the single-leg stance, resisted external derotation of the hip, hip lag sign and the Trendelenburg’s test. Dynamic ultrasound along with guided injections and MRI scan do assist in differentiating the pathology and confirming the diagnosis in patients presenting with lateral hip pain. Finally, the assessment of baseline psychological impairment is essential in this group of patients to ensure outcomes are optimised. Conclusion Lateral hip pain used to be a poorly defined entity, but advances in imaging and interest in sports medicine have led to a better understanding of the pathology, presentation and management of this cohort of patients. A thorough appreciation of the anatomy of the abductor musculature, specific clinical signs and imaging findings will lead to an appropriate diagnosis being made and management plan instituted. Level of evidence IV.

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.