The dancer’s hip also known as “coxa saltans” is a clinical condition characterized by an audible or palpable snapping sensation that is heard during movement of the hip joint. For athletes and dancers, more serious cases of this condition can cause pain and affect their overall performance. Approximately 5% to 10% of the population is affected by snapping hip syndrome, with the majority of patients experiencing painless snapping.
The snapping may occur when you are walking or getting up out of a chair, for example. The condition is usually painless but can cause pain in some cases. Snapping the hip with pain is usually a sign of cartilage tear or fragments of material in the hip.
Types
Historically two main types were recognized,
Intraarticular
Extra-articular
▪️ Internal snapping hip
▪️ External snapping hip
1️. Intraarticular
In this category, a snapping hip is caused by an actual hip joint issue or injury. Unlike external or internal snapping hip syndrome, intraarticular snapping hip isn’t caused by a tendon or muscle. The etiologies include loose bodies or labral tears of the hip.
2️. Extra-articular
Internal snapping hip
This type occurs when your tendons slide over bone structures at the front of your hip joint.
External snapping hip
With this type, your tendon or muscle slides over the bone at the top of your thigh bone or femur. Most commonly attributed to the iliotibial band moving over the greater trochanter of the femoral head during hip movements in flexion, extension, or internal rotation.
Causes
Overuse injury
Trauma ( intramuscular injection into the gluteus maximus & surgical procedures.)
Inadequate relaxation of the muscles.
Anatomical variations
▪️ Increase distance between greater trochanters.
▪️ Prominent greater trochanters.
▪️ Narrow biliac width.
▪️ Iliotibial band tightness.
Risk factors
People who do sports that use the same muscle over and over & over. ( such as in soccer, running, gymnastic)
Young adults who have had recent growth spurts.
Females
Dancers
Symptoms
Snapping or popping in the front, side, or back of the hip when lifting, lowering, rotating, or swinging the leg.
Weakness in the leg when trying to lift it forward or sideways.
Tightness in the front, back, or side of the hip.
Swelling in the front, back or side of the hip.
Difficulty performing daily activities, such as rising from a chair and walking.
Aims of physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy plays a major role in improving snapping hip syndrome. Some of the aims of physical therapy in the treatment of snapping hip syndrome,
Reduce pain
Improve motion
Improve strength
Speed recovery time
Return to activities
Prevent future re-injury
Preventive methods of snapping hip syndrome
Warm-up before starting the sport or heavy physical activity. Your warmup should include stretches, including those for the muscles on the front, side, and back of the hip.
Gradually increase the intensity of an activity or sport.
Avoid pushing too hard, too fast.
Follow a consistent strength and flexibility exercise program to maintain good physical conditioning, even in sport’s off-season.
Wear shoes that are in good condition and fit well.
Modify activity when symptomatic snapping occurs.
Physiotherapist plays a vital role in managing Patients with snapping hip syndrome. The type of treatment depends on the presence of symptoms .
References:-
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448200/
https://www.healthline.com/health/snapping-hip-syndrome
Ashcharya Divyani
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