How does snapping hip syndrome develop?
Snapping hip syndrome has three primary causes. The most common cause involves the iliotibial band, or IT band, which is a thick, wide tendon that runs over the outside of the hip joint. Snapping hip syndrome occurs when the iliotibial band snaps over the bony prominence over the outside of the hip joint. Patients with this type of snapping hip syndrome may also develop trochanteric bursitis from the irritation of the bursa in this region. The second cause for snapping hip syndrome is the iliopsoas tendon, which can catch on a bony prominence of the pelvis and cause a snap when the hip is flexed. When the iliopsoas tendon is the cause of snapping hip syndrome, patients typically experience no problems other than the annoying snapping. Finally, the third and least likely cause of snapping hip syndrome involves a tear in the hip cartilage or bone debris in the hip joint. This type of snapping hip usually causes pain and may be disabling. In addition, a loose piece of cartilage can cause
