MRIs to check whether there is a thickening of the iliotibial band or front edge of the gluteus maximus muscle.Most people do not experience pain with snapping hip syndrome, so they are unlikely to consult a doctor.ĭoctors may diagnose snapping hip syndrome following a physical examination, during which they will ask a person questions about their symptoms.Ī doctor may also order an X-ray to check for bone or hip problems. Sometimes doctors do not find the cause of a person’s snapping hip syndrome. an inability to relax muscles or tendons adequately.

an individual’s hip area anatomy, such as the distance between bones or muscle and tendon length.trauma to the area, usually associated with surgery or injury.Snapping hip syndrome can also be due to the following: The iliopectineal eminence is where the ilium meets the pubis in the pelvis or the front of the top of the thigh bone. The iliopsoas tendon is the attachment for important hip flexor muscles. Internal snapping hip can occur when the iliopsoas tendon moves over bony projections such as the iliopectineal eminence or the front of the thigh bone. The snapping can happen when the muscle flexes, extends, and externally or internally rotates. The greater trochanter refers to the top of the thigh bone and is the widest part of the hip. The iliotibial band is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the pelvis to the knee. External snapping hipĮxternal snapping hip occurs when the iliotibial band moves over the greater trochanter, creating a snapping sound. The specific muscles and tendons most commonly involved depend on whether the type of snapping hip syndrome is external or internal. Adolescent growth spurts, in particular, can cause tightness in the hip’s muscle structures. Tightness in the muscles and tendons associated with the hip is the most common cause of snapping hip syndrome.

My hip hurts but xray is normal