The last couple of weeks at the office have brought in a sharp increase of patients suffering with a condition known as coxa saltans, commonly referred to as “Hip Snapping Syndrome.” This is more prevalent for dancers, about 90% of the dancing population has this. It often occurs only on one side (unilaterally), but astonishingly enough 80% of dancers have a chance for it to occur on both sides (bilaterally). If you are not dancing regularly you’re missing out, but don’t worry because you’re in the demographic that only has about a 5-10% chance to develop it.
There are two versions of this syndrome. The most common cause, referred to more specifically as External Snapping Hip Syndrome, involves the lateral hip structures like the IT Band. Internal Snapping Hip Syndrome is less common, more severe, usually involves the anterior hip, and possibly some underlying cause within the structure of the joint itself.
What is it? The snapping sound and/or feeling results during motion at the hip (femoroacetabular joint). It will occur quite reliably and consistently within the same arc of movement every time. Most-often the snapping arises without pain, however frequent repetition without periods of rest can eventually inflame the tissues that are involved. It is also important to note that this can occur around any joint in the body, not just the hip. One of the most common ways for the average person to discover they have it is while performing sit-ups. The click or snap is often felt in the lower back or posterior pelvic region.
Thanks to the power of the internet, we are able to watch a wonderful video demonstrating the phenomenon in real time. The first link is a diagnostic ultrasound of External Hip Snapping Syndrome. Around the 5 and 7 second marks you can see the “snap” of tissue over the underlying structures.
Here’s a link to a PubMed article referencing some stats if that’s your thing: