ILIOPSOAS (HIP FLEXOR) TENDON LENGTHENING
WHAT IS ILIOPSOAS IMPINGEMENT?
Articular cartilage is the shiny, white surface that covers the ends of most bones. Articular cartilage protects bones during movement by dispersing the force applied to a joint and allowing the joint surfaces to glide smoothly with less friction. This covering is only a few millimeters thick, and has no blood supply to facilitate the healing process. Therefore, if it gets damaged, there is very little capacity for healing.
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF ILIOPSOAS IMPINGEMENT?
The most common symptoms include pain and snapping in the front of the hip and groin. The snapping sensation in the hip often observed in psoas impingement is often referred to as internal snapping hip syndrome.
HOW IS IT TREATED?
Initially, conservative treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy aimed at stretching and strengthening the iliopsoas tendon. In certain cases, corticosteroid injections may be indicated to provide relief from the inflammation and pain.
If non-operative measures fail, Dr. Wusu may recommend surgical intervention with an arthroscopic iliopsoas lengthening in order to relieve pain and restore normal function. During the procedure, Dr. Wusu releases a portion of the iliopsoas tendon to elongate it just enough to reduce or eliminate the painful snapping and impingement.
