IADMS New York 2002   [back to the Category]

Snapping Hip Syndrome in the Adolescent Ballet Dancer: Potential Causes, Clinical Findings.....   [read the french version]

Author :   Heather Southwick, PT, & Al.

Snapping Hip Syndrome in the Adolescent Ballet Dancer:
Potential Causes, Clinical Findings, and Treatment Outcomes

Heather Southwick, PT, Michelina Cassella, PT, Christine Ploski, PT
Department of Physical Therapy, Children’s Hospital,
Boston Ballet Physical Therapy Clinic
Boston, MA, USA

A “snapping,” “popping” or “pinching” in the hip area is a common complaint among ballet dancers. This sensation often occurs with hip extension of the flexed, abducted and externally rotated hip which is a movement repeated many times during ballet training. Often the “snapping” tendon is not initially painful. However, if the causes of the snapping are ignored, a very painful and debilitating condition can develop. It becomes very important for the physician and the physical therapist to determine the origin of the snapping. According to Schaberg et. al., “subluxation of the iliopsoas tendon over the lesser trochanter or the iliopectineal eminence appears to be the cause of the “internal” variety of snapping hip syndrome. (1) Other causes of “snapping hip” can be categorized as external in origin and may be attributed to the iliotibial band or gluteus maximus tendon moving over the greater trochanter.

Prior to treating this condition, it is essential to determine the exact nature of the problem through a thorough clinical evaluation. Clinical findings derived from a meticulous orthopedic evaluation and thorough physical therapy assessment are essential before designing an appropriate treatment plan. Further diagnostic tests, such as MRI may also be needed to aid in the differential diagnosis.

This presentation will include:
1. A detailed definition of “snapping hip syndrome”
2. Potential causes of this syndrome
3. Comprehensive clinical assessment to aid in the differential diagnosis
4. Treatment approaches to alleviate the symptoms

A complex case study will be presented to assist in the illustration of differential diagnosis. The physical evaluation and subsequent physical therapy treatment will be reviewed briefly. Functional outcomes and criteria for returning to full ballet activity will also be outlined.


Reference:
1. Schaberg, J, Harper, M, Allen, W. Snapping Hip Syndrome. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 1984 12: 361-365.