Possible causes of snapping hip syndrome

Several studies have proven that there are three primary causes for snapping hip syndrome:

1. Internal - Due to tight hip flexor muscle/tendon called the Iliopsoas muscle/tendon)
2. External - Due to tight Iliotibial band that passes over the outside of the hip over the large bump called the greater trochanter of the femur bone.
3. Intra-articular (uncommon).A tear in the cartilage or some bone debris in the hip joint can also causes a snapping or clicking sensation. This type of snapping hip usually causes pain and may be disabling. A loose piece of cartilage can cause the hip to catch or lock up

Iliotibial Band Snap

What exactly is the Iliotibial band? The iliotibial band is a thick, wide tendon over the outside of the hip joint. Most people do not know that it represents the most common cause of snapping hip syndrome.? Iliotibial band snaps over the greater trochanter - bone prominence over the outside of the hip joint. Important fact is that, if this is the cause of snapping hip syndrome, patients may develop trochanteric bursitis from the irritation of the bursa-part of the joint, in this region.

Iliopsoas Tendon Snap

The iliopsoas tendon is the primary hip flexor muscle, and the tendon of this muscle passes just in front of the hip joint. The problem is that this tendon can catch on a bony prominence of the pelvis and cause a snap when the hip is flexed. Usually when the iliopsoas tendon is the cause of snapping hip syndrome, patients have no problems, but may find the snapping annoying and hard to handle.

Hip Labral Cartilage Tear

The least common cause of snapping hip syndrome is a tear of the cartilage in the hip joint. Several researches have confirmed that if there is a loose flap of cartilage catching within the joint, this may cause a snapping sensation when the hip is moved. This cause of snapping hip syndrome may also cause an unsteady feeling, and patients may grab for support when the hip snaps.