www.nhgi.co.uk, Northern Hip & Groin Institute, Joint Replacement Knee Hip, Arthroscopy, Computer Assisted, Sports, Schilders, Kluge, Leeds, Bradford, Yorkshire

Psoas tendinitis

The iliopsoas consists of two muscles which form a tendon that inserts into the thigh bone. This tendon runs over the front of the pelvis and the femoral head. It can cause snapping when the hip is moved. Pain might occur over the front of the thigh. Patients complain about clunking in the hip joint.

On examination a typical snap can be heard and felt when the hip is brought from flexion/abduction/extrenal rotation into extension/adduction/internal rotation ("Faber test"). MRI scan or ultrasound rarely show abnormalities in patients with psoas symptoms. An arthrogram allows to differentiate a possible labral tear (differential diagnosis).

The majority of psoas tendinitis problems respond well to physiotherapy and psoas stretching and strengthening exercises or a cortisone injection. Non responsive chronic psoas symptoms can be treated by arthroscopic lengthening of the psoas tendon.