Internal snapping hip on ultrasound

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of this study is to assess the usefulness of ultrasonography in diagnosing internal extra-articular snapping hip syndrome. Internal extra-articular snapping hip syndrome involves the snapping of the iliopsoas tendon over the iliopectineal eminence, accompanied by a characteristic audible or palpable snap. In some individuals, the snap is accompanied by discomfort or groin pain, which over time may lead to kinesiophobia (fear of movement). Using an ultrasound machine, the snapping of the iliopsoas tendon was evaluated in asymptomatic young individuals. Methods. A total of 60 hip joints in 30 young individuals (20 women, 10 men) aged 23-25 years, who reported no pain or history of hip surgery, were examined twice. The study was repeated after 6 weeks. The SonoScape Exp 2 ultrasound machine was used according to a previously established protocol. Both examinations were performed by the same person. Results. The presence of internal snapping hip syndrome (ISHS) was observed in 55 (91%) hips during the first examination and in 54 (90%) during the follow-up. No pain was reported during the ultrasound-observed snapping, but discomfort was noted in 36.1% of cases, and kinesiophobia in 10% of the examined hips. Conclusion. The correlation between the ultrasound image and the audible or palpable snap in the groin was confirmed in the examined patients. The high prevalence of ISHS in asymptomatic individuals and the occurrence of discomfort in over 30% of examined hips suggests the need for further research on this topic.