Hips that pop, click, or snap during particular movements characterize snapping hip syndrome. While often harmless, the following conditions can sometimes lead to joint damage and pain.
- Internal snapping hip occurs when a tendon slides over protruding bony structures at the front of the hip joint, creating tension that releases with a "snap".
- External snapping hip occurs when a muscle or tendon slides over the knobby bone at the top of the femur (the greater trochanter), creating tension that is released with a snapping sensation at the outside of the hip.
- Snapping hip due to cartilage injury occurs when there is an acetabular labral tear, an injury to the articular cartilage, or loose material in the hip.
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