Abstract
Introduction and Aims: ‘External’ snapping hip, secondary to a tight thickened portion of the iliotibial band snapping over the greater trochanter is usually treated by Z-plasty. We report experience of managing painful paediatric snapping hips by a novel alternative, proximal TFL release.
Method: Patients referred between 1989–2002 with painful snapping hips to the paediatric orthopaedic unit were retrospectively reviewed. Diagnosis was made on the basis of history and physical examination. All the patients had a plain radiograph of the hip and other causes of an audible snap were excluded. Most cases had failed to improve with physiotherapy pre-operatively. Fifteen patients (21 hips) had proximal tensor fascia lata release. All the patients had regular follow-up and were assessed for recurrence and complications.
Results: There were two boys and thirteen girls. The mean age at the time of operation was 15 years and minimum post-operative follow-up was six months. Two hips required revision surgery. Eighty-one percent had a pain-free non-snapping hip at the time of discharge. The remainder were pain-free, with a reduced frequency of snapping.
Conclusion: For painful snapping hips when conservative methods have failed, proximal release can offer good results with low morbidity in a paediatric population.
These abstracts were prepared by Editorial Secretary, George Sikorski. Correspondence should be addressed to Australian Orthopaedic Association, Ground Floor, The William Bland Centre, 229 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
At least one of the authors is receiving or has received material benefits or support from a commercial source.
