Summary Snapping Hip is a condition characterized by a snapping sensation in the hip that comprises of 3 entities: external snapping hip, internal snapping hip, and intra-articular snapping hip. Diagnosis of external and internal snapping hip is generally made clinically with specific physical examination maneuvers. Advanced imaging is generally required to diagnose intra-articular snapping hip. Treatment can be nonoperative or operative depending on the specific cause of the snapping and duration of symptoms. Epidemiology Demographic common in athletes and dancers in their teens or twenties Etiology Mechanism 3 types of snapping hip exist with different causes login to view 14 more bullets Presentation Symptoms snapping sensation in and around hip joint login to view 3 more bullets clicking or locking sensation login to view 1 more bullet Physical exam external snapping hip is often visible while internal snapping is not, but may be audible ("external snapping one can see from across the room, while internal one may hear from across the room") external snapping hip login to view 4 more bullets internal snapping hip login to view 1 more bullet Imaging Radiographs recommended views login to view 1 more bullet findings login to view 2 more bullets Ultrasound dynamic study which may demonstrate the snapping band in either internal or external snapping may be used to localize a diagnostic challenge injection into the trochanteric bursa (external), the iliopsoas sheath (internal), or intra-articular space. MRI useful to rule-out intra-articular pathology often performed as an arthrogram study may show inflamed bursa Iliopsoas bursography iliopsoas tendon visualized under fluoroscopy after bursa injected with contrast dye may add therapeutic injection after diagnosis is confirmed Treatment Nonoperative often internal and external snapping are painless and require no treatment activity modification login to view 2 more bullets physical therapy, injection of corticosteroid login to view 2 more bullets Operative excision of greater trochanteric bursa with Z-plasty of iliotibial band login to view 3 more bullets release of iliopsoas tendon login to view 2 more bullets hip arthroscopy with removal of loose bodies or labral debridement/repair login to view 4 more bullets Techniques Excision of greater trochanteric bursa with Z-plasty of iliotibial band technique login to view 2 more bullets Iliopsoas tendon release approach login to view 5 more bullets technique login to view 4 more bullets post-operative care login to view 1 more bullet