Quadratus Femoris Partial Tear Secondary to Occult Ischiofemoral Impingement

Introduction: Hip pain in children and adolescents may become a diagnostic challenge. A wide range of causes must be considered in the deferential diagnosis. Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) is a pathological condition defined by hip pain associated with narrowing of the ischiofemoral (IF) space. We report the case of an adolescent patient with non-traumatic quadratus femoris (QF) tear secondary to an occult IFI syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such case reported in the literature. Case Report: A 15-year-old girl reported persisting hip pain for a month following increased physical activity. The symptoms had started a couple of days following a weekend of increased activity due to her participating in a dancing contest. Physical examination and imaging studies (standard anterior pelvis radiograph and MRI-scan) failed to reveal any pathology apart from an area of diffused edema in the IF space. Standard hematology and biochemistry laboratory tests were all within normal range. Conservative treatment for 6 months with rest and modification of physical activities failed. A new MRI scan showed partial edema resolution and marked reduction in the IF and QF spaces (12 mm and 8 mm, respectively), thus suggesting IFI, which, in turn, led to a partial rupture of the QF. The patient underwent a local infiltration of the QF with betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate (6+6 mg/2 ml) under CT guidance, which led to the complete resolution of all her symptoms. She remains symptoms free for 24 months. Conclusion: IFI is a rather uncommon condition in the developing skeleton. As in adults, in adolescents as well, MRI is the study of choice in cases of IFI, since it shows QF pathology and allows measurement of the IF and QF spaces, assisting physicians in establishing the right diagnosis. However, the coexistence of a QF hematoma and/or edema, may temper with the initial MRI measurements and render the diagnosis of the primary condition rat

Hydroxyapatite crystal deposition disease around the hip: a rare cause of piriformis syndrome and ischiofemoral impingement

Hydroxyapatite crystal deposition disease (HADD) around the hip is typically described involving the gluteal tendons. However, HADD can occur in any location and result in varied clinical presentations. Even with small deposits, symptoms can be significant and imaging findings may appear aggressive, mimicking infection and malignancy particularly when in an atypical location. We illustrate cases of both common and rare locations of HADD around the hip, in particular presenting as greater trochanteric pain syndrome, piriformis syndrome and ischiofemoral impingement. The latter two manifestations have not been previously described in the literature. Low signal deposits were identified on MRI at the greater trochanter (gluteus medius tendon), proximal piriformis (adjacent to the sciatic nerve), and quadratus femoris (in the ischiofemoral space), respectively. Associated inflammatory changes with tendinopathy, bursitis and oedema were also demonstrated. The patient with piriformis syndrome underwent steroid injections and shockwave therapy with significant symptom improvement. HADD should be within the differential diagnosis for hip pain and nerve compression syndromes. Knowledge of tendon anatomy and correlation with radiographs or CT, even after MRI, is crucial in recognising unusual manifestations and preventing unnecessary investigation. Therefore, we review the spectrum of imaging features of HADD, as well as the current evidence on its management, to confidently diagnose this condition.

Incidental finding of hereditary multiple osteochondroma causing ischiofemoral impingement

Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) has been described in the medical literature as a cause of hip pain. IFI occurs due to an abnormal contact or reduced space between the lesser trochanter and the lateral border of the ischium and is an often unrecognised cause of pain and snapping in the hip. Association of multiple exostoses and a skeletal dysplasia characterised by an abnormal modelling of bone metaphysis and osseous deformities is highly characteristic of this disease. Consequently, multiple exostoses may narrow the ischiofemoral space and cause impingement and pain, even in the absence of malignant transformation. Surgical excision of exostosis of the lesser trochanter is a safe and effective method of treatment for patients with IFI. We present a case of left hip pain with incidental finding of hereditary multiple osteochondroma causing IFI and discuss the predisposing factors and review of literature.

MRI findings of ischiofemoral impingement after total hip arthroplasty are associated with increased femoral antetorsion

Background Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) is a known complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Purpose To assess if increased postoperative (FA) is associated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of IFI. Material and Methods In 221 patients with THA, two independent readers measured FA, ischiofemoral space (IFS), quadratus femoris space (QFS), edema, and fatty infiltration of quadratus femoris muscle. Three sets of IFI-imaging features were defined: acute IFI (set 1): IFS ≤15 mm or QFS ≤10 mm and edema in the quadratus femoris muscle; chronic IFI (set 2): IFS ≤15 mm or QFS ≤10 mm and fatty infiltration of quadratus femoris muscle Goutallier grade ≥2; acute and chronic IFI (set 3) with both criteria applicable. For each set, FA angles were compared between positive findings of IFI and negative findings of IFI. The t-test for independent samples tested statistical significance. Results In 7.2% (16/221) of patients, findings of IFI (IFS ≤15 mm or QFS ≤10 mm and edema, n = 1; fatty infiltration, n = 9; or both, n = 6) were observed. In women, 11.4% (14/123) exhibited findings of IFI compared to 2.0% (2/98) in men. Comparison in set 1 (n = 7): mean antetorsion of 23.9° ± 9.8° (findings of acute IFI) compared to 14.4° ± 9.7° ( P = 0.01). Comparison in set 2 (n = 15): mean antetorsion of 16.2° ± 6.3° (findings of chronic IFI) compared to 14.5° ± 9.9° ( P = 0.49). Comparison in set 3 (n = 6): mean antetorsion of 20.4° ± 3.8° (findings of acute and chronic IFI) compared to 14.5° ± 9.9° ( P = 0.01). Conclusion After THA, high postoperative FA is associated with MRI findings of acute as well as acute and chronic IFI. Findings of IFI were commonly seen in women.

MRI measurement assessment on ischiofemoral impingement syndrome

Background: To explore the value of MRI upon diagnosis of ischiofemoral impingement syndrome (IFI) and to recognise deformation or oedema of the quadratus femoris muscle. MRI applied to measure the ischial femoral space (IFS), the average width of quadratus femoral space (QFS), and the ischial intertuberal diameter. Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out of 213 hip joints MRI images of 58 cases diagnosed with IFI and 61 cases of normal subjects. IFS, QFS and ischial intertuberal diameter were measured by axial T1WI sequence. The morphological and signal changes of the quadratus femoris muscle were observed through proton density weighted image fat suppression sequence (PDWI-FS). Results: The widths of IFS and QFS in the normal group were larger than those in the case group, while the ischial intertuberal diameter was significantly smaller ( p < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that there was a positive correlation ( r = 0.824) between IFS and QFS in all hip joints and a negative correlation between the ischial intertuberal diameter and the widths of IFS and QFS ( r = −0.213, −0.222, p < 0.05) respectively. As the grade of oedema in quadratus femoris muscle increased, the corresponding IFS gradually decreased. The corresponding IFS width of grade 0 oedema of the quadratus femoris muscle oedema was significantly higher than that of grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) of the subjects was applied to determine the diagnostic boundary value of the IFS and QFS in IFI patients, which was 1.98 cm and 1.05 cm respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.948 and 0.953 respectively. Conclusions: MRI examination could provide a reliable basis for the diagnosis of ischiofemoral impingement syndrome. The narrowing of IFS and QFS with deformation and oedema in the quadratus femoris muscle may be the features of manifestation of IFI.