Background
Snapping hip syndrome is characterized by an audible snap or click that occurs in or around the hip. This syndrome is well recognized but poorly understood. Snapping hip syndrome may be due to an external cause (eg., snapping of the iliotibial band or gluteus maximus over the greater trochanter) or an internal cause (eg., snapping of the iliopsoas tendon over the iliopectineal eminence, acetabular labral tear, intra-articular loose body). Acetabular labral tears and intra-articular loose bodies are relatively uncommon causes of internal snapping hip syndrome and are not discussed in detail. Snapping hip syndrome may be painful or painless. While some athletes may seek attention for a painless audible snap, most do not seek medical attention unless the snapping hip is painful.