Internal Snapping Hip Syndrome: Iliopsoas Tendon Release

Internal Snapping Hip Syndrome: Iliopsoas Tendon Release

This surgical video demonstrates an iliopsoas release for the treatment of internal snapping hip syndrome. The iliopsoas is made up of the iliacus and psoas muscles. An iliopsoas release, also called iliopsoas fractional lengthening, involves cutting the tendon of the psoas muscle to reduce tension. The tendon from the iliacus stays intact, allowing the hip flexors to still be able to function.

Here we see inside a hip joint. The surgeon begins by using a blade to cut through the joint capsule that surrounds the hip joint, and a shaver to clean up surrounding soft tissue. The surgeon then uses the blade to cut through the tendon of the psoas muscle, stopping at the red muscle fibers.

The surgeon will remove all instruments from the hip and close the skin incisions with sutures. The iliopsoas release is complete.