Snapping hip syndrome

• Snapping hip syndrome = coxa saltans
• A condition characterised by a snapping sensation felt in the hip
• May or may not be audible, may or may not cause pain
• Three types
  • External snapping hip
    • Caused by iliotibial tract sliding over greater trochanter
    • Often visible
  • Internal snapping hip
    • Caused by iliopsoas tendon sliding over femoral head or other structures
    • Often not visible, but is audible
  • Intra-articular snapping hip
    • Caused by loose bodies in the hip joint
• Treatment
  • Internal and external types usually don’t require treatment
    • If painful, the anatomic structure which causes the snapping can be incised
  • Intra-articular type can be repaired by hip arthroscopy