Conditions & Treatments

Here at Snibbe Orthopedics, we are advocates for educating our patients about your condition and the various treatment options available to you. Please click on the conditions below for detailed explanations and the courses of treatment for each.

This information can assist in diagnosing your orthopedic issue. However, please keep in mind that this information is intended for educational purposes only. In order to fully assess your injury, a comprehensive history and physical exam must be performed by Dr. Snibbe. We encourage you to come into our office to meet with Dr. Snibbe and discuss all available treatment options together.

Dr. Snibbe and his team want you to have a thorough understanding of the surgery you are having as well as the steps you will go through before, during, and after surgery. Thus, we have put together this information, which you can use at any point to ensure a smooth progression through your surgical care. You will find answers to the most commonly asked questions for each procedure, as well as a timeline for your recovery.

Trochanteric Bursitis

Trochanteric bursitis is inflammation of a fluid-filled sac on the side on the hip. This is often a result of a tight IT band. Patients will experience soreness and pain on the side of the hip, as well as difficulty with sleeping on their side. Treatment involves medications, physical therapy, injections, and sometimes requires surgery.

Snapping Hip – Internal

Internal snapping hip is a condition where a patient has a snapping sensation when the leg is brought from a flexed position to a straight leg position. The snapping can sometimes be painful and cause discomfort when a person is exercising. Treatment for internal snapping hip may include medications, physical therapy, and possibly arthroscopic surgery.

IT band snapping across greater trochanter of the hip

Snapping Hip – External

An external snapping hip is when the patient experiences a snapping sensation on the outside of the hip that is painful. This is often a result of a tight iliotibial band (IT band). Treatment for external snapping hip syndrome may include medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgical intervention.

Total Hip Arthroplasty

In a total hip arthroplasty, the cartilage that lines the hip joint is a source of pain and is thus removed. The damaged ball of the hip joint is replaced with a metal ball that is attached to a metal stem, which is fitted in the femur. The socket of the hip (acetabulum) is replaced with a metal cup that has a plastic liner.

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Hip

Osteoarthritis of the hip is the loss of cartilage in the hip joint. Patients with osteoarthritis will experience groin and buttock pain, stiffness in the hip, and pain with sitting and walking. Treatment for osteoarthritis of the hip can include medications, physical therapy, injections, and joint replacement surgery.

Proximal Hamstring Repair

During an open proximal hamstring repair, an approximately 3–5 cm incision is made at the crease of the buttock. Next the damaged hamstring tendon is located and any frayed or damaged tissue is removed. Once a clean edge of healthy tendon is achieved, it is secured using strong suture back to its insertion on the ischial tuberosity of the pelvis.

Labrum Tear

The labrum is cartilage in the hip which lines the outer lip of the hip socket (acetabulum). Damage to the labrum can occur as a result of trauma or from femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Patients with a torn labrum will experience a deep pain in the groin area which is sore, aching, and sometimes sharp. Patients may also notice a decreased range of motion and pain with sitting. Treatment for a torn labrum includes conservative care as well as possibly arthroscopic surgery to repair the damaged labrum.

Arthroscopic Trochanteric Bursectomy

Through a small incision on the side of the thigh, a tiny shaver instrument is used to clean out the bursa. All of the inflamed, damaged, or frayed tissue is removed. This may be combined with an iliotibial band release, labral repair, and/or osteoplasty of femoral neck and acetabulum.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

The iliotibial band, also known as IT band, is a thick band of tissue extending from the pelvis to the knee along the outside of the leg. With overuse activities such as running, this band can become inflamed and cause pain at the hip and the knee. Treatment for IT band syndrome includes medications, physical therapy, and possible injections and/or surgery if necessary.

Arthroscopic Partial Iliopsoas Tendon Release

The partial iliopsoas tendon release can be performed arthroscopically. Instead of releasing the tendon completely, which may lead to postoperative weakness, a partial tendon release is preferred. Using a heat device, the tendon is partially released and by doing this, the tendon is lengthened. This lengthening allows the tendon to glide over the hip joint and not snap any further.

Hamstring Tear / Rupture

The hamstring is a muscle in the back of the leg that is a source of many sports-related injuries. This muscle is often strained with a person exerts a lot of force on the leg as in running or sprinting. Patients can tear the hamstring tendon as well and will commonly report feeling a pop at the base of the buttock. Hamstring strains resolve over time; however, a ruptured hamstring will require surgical repair.

Arthroscopic Labral Repair with Osteoplasty of Femoral Neck and Acetabulum

The labrum is repaired using strong suture that is wrapped around the sagging or torn part of the labrum. By using surgical anchors, essentially small plastic pegs that hold the suture in place, the labrum can be resecured to its appropriate position on the rim of the acetabulum. These pegs do not contain metal and will break down and dissolve away over time. The suture will keep the labrum fixed to the rim of the acetabulum, and will help the labrum scar into position. It is common to use two or three of these anchors in a hip arthroscopy with labral repair.

Gluteus Medius Tear

The gluteus medius is a muscle that allows us to move our leg out to the side and away from the body. Patients can suffer a tear of this gluteus medius tendon resulting in buttock pain and weakness with lifting the leg to the side. Treatment varies for this injury, but is commonly resolved with medication and physical therapy.

Arthroscopic Iliotibial Band Release

Through a small arthroscopic incision, the IT band can be located on the outside of the thigh. In the procedure, a portion of the IT band is excised so that an opening is created over the greater trochanter. By removing this piece of the IT band, it will no longer get caught on the greater trochanter and thus the snapping sensation will no longer occur.

Flexor Tendonitis

Flexor tendonitis is a condition where the tendons in the front of the hip joint become inflamed and irritated. This is frequently the result of repetitive hip flexion such as with track athletes, gymnasts, and soccer players. Patients will experience soreness and occasional sharp pains in the front of the hip. Treatment for flexor tendonitis includes medications and physical therapy.

Arthroscopic Labral Reconstruction

A patient undergoing this procedure will have their labrum reconstructed with use of an allograft (cadaver tissue) or the patient’s own tissue (commonly iliotibial band is used). The reconstruction of a damaged or incomplete labrum is important to recreate the suction seal function of the labrum in the hip joint. This provides the patient with hip stability and resolves pain commonly associated with a labral tear.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition where there is a lack of coverage of the hip socket over the ball of the hip. Patients with hip dysplasia will feel a sense of instability in the hip as if it is gliding in and out of place. Patients with this condition are at increased risk for labrum injuries in the hip. Treatment for this can include physical therapy, medications, and sometimes arthroscopic surgery.

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) is a condition where the ball of the hip and the socket of the hip rub together and cause damage to the cartilage of the hip joint. Patients with FAI complain of soreness and aching with occasional sharp pains in the hip. Treatment for FAI varies greatly to include medications, physical therapy, and possibly arthroscopic surgery.