Endoscopic Lesser Trochanter Resection With Refixation of the Iliopsoas Tendon for Treatment of Ischiofemoral Impingement

Stress Fracture after Arthroscopic Lesser Trochanter Resection: Diagnosis and Therapy

We report on the case of a 52-year-old female who presented with a stress fracture after undergoing an endoscopic resection of the lesser trochanter in ischiofemoral impingement, which was resistant to maximal conservative treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this complication has not been previously described. Non-weight-bearing and intravenous alendronic acid were prescribed for management. No additional surgery was required. The patient was pain free with the ability to perform sports on the same level as before and had no complaints.

Imaging changes following surgery for ischiofemoral impingement

Partial resection of the lesser trochanter (LT plasty) has been increasingly recommended to treat ischiofemoral impingement. However, there is a lack of studies on the imaging findings following LT plasty. The purpose of this study was to assess magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes on the lesser trochanter and surrounding musculotendinous structures following LT plasty to treat ischiofemoral impingement. Twenty-one patients (21 hips) were studied. The LT length and cross-sectional area of the iliopsoas muscle were measured on MRI before and after surgery. The MRIs were performed on average 11 months (range, 3 to 25 months) after surgery. The mean ±  standard deviation amount of LT resected (difference between pre- and postoperative LT length) was 7.3 mm ±  2.5 mm. The iliopsoas cross-sectional area decreased after the LT plasty in 95% of the hips (20/21) by an average of 35% ± 16%. The reduction in iliopsoas size had no significant correlation with improvement on the modified Harris Hip Score at a mean follow-up of 17 months after surgery (r = -0.13, P = 0.58). The iliopsoas muscle size decreased on average 35% following endoscopic LT plasty. The decrease was not correlated with midterm functional outcomes.

Endoscopic Ischial Tuberosity Osteophyte Resection for Treatment of Ischiofemoral Impingement: A Case Report

Ischiofemoral impingement is a distinct pathologic finding with abnormal osseous contact between the ischium and the lesser trochanter of the femur. Lesser trochanter excision has been recommended for recalcitrant ischiofemoral impingement through an open or endoscopic approach; however, no study has included ischial tuberosity osteophyte resection and refixation of the hamstring tendon. We report an endoscopic procedure involving ischial tuberosity osteophyte resection with refixation of the partially detached hamstring insertion through a posterior approach in the prone position. Using this technique, it is easier to reach the lesion and less likely to injure the sciatic nerve. The postoperative pain score (visual analogy score) was significantly decreased, the modified Harris hip score increased from 39 preoperatively to 86 postoperatively, and there was no adverse effect on the hamstring tendon.

Ischiofemoral impingement syndrome: a case report and review of literature

Introduction

The etiology of ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) syndrome, an unusual and uncommon form of hip pain, remains uncertain. Some patients demonstrate narrowing of the space between the ischial tuberosity and lesser trochanter from trauma or abnormal morphology of the quadratus femoris muscle. Combined clinical and imaging aid in the diagnosis.

Case report

A 32-year-old female presented with a 3 years history of pain over the lower aspect of the right buttock, aggravated by movements of the right hip, and partially relieved with rest and medications. The right hip showed extreme restriction of abduction and external rotation. MRI of the right hip showed reduced ischiofemoral space and quadratus femoris space when compared to the left hip. The patient underwent endoscopic resection of the right lesser trochanter, with no recurrence of pain at 2 years.

Conclusion

An unusual cause of hip pain, IFI syndrome, should be suspected when hip pain at extremes of movement is associated with signal abnormality of quadratus femoris muscle. Management is tailored to address the inciting factors that precipitated the IFI syndrome.

Arthroscopic Lesser Trochanter Osteoplasty, Quadratus Femoris Debridement, and Sciatic Neurolysis via Posterior Approach for Ischiofemoral Impingement

Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) syndrome is considered the narrowing of the ischiofemoral space (IFS), leading to pathological changes in the quadratus femoris and sciatic nerve, causing posterior hip and sciatica-like pain. Open or arthroscopic resection of the lesser trochanter to enlarge the IFS is the main surgical procedure. However, there is a lack of research on isolated IFI, and currently known surgical procedures are at risk of weakening the flexion strength of the hip joint. In this study, four patients, who were diagnosed with isolated IFI and had undergone arthroscopic treatment with partial resection of the lesser trochanter, debridement of the quadratus femoris, and decompression of the sciatic nerve, were reviewed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the management of IFI using a series of surgical procedures via a posterior approach as an effective treatment option. The outcomes of this study broadened the strategies for IFI management.

Pain relief and good functional outcomes after hip endoscopy via posterior approach in patients with ischiofemoral impingement

PURPOSE

Ischiofemoral impingement is considered to be an uncommon and difficult pathology to diagnose with respect to hip pain etiology. The objective was to describe the clinical results of endoscopic lesser trochanter resection via a posterior approach in patients with Ischiofemoral impingement.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study of consecutive patients with Ischiofemoral impingement, who underwent endoscopic resection of the lesser trochanter via a posterior approach, between 2015 and 2018. Clinical results were evaluated using the ischiofemoral impingement test, long-stride walking test, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and the Oxford scale to assess the strength of the iliopsoas muscle as well as the presence of complications. Preoperative and postoperative ischiofemoral space was measured to assess whether the resection of the lesser trochanter was adequate.

RESULTS

16 hips in 13 patients (mean age: 34.4 ± 12.1 years, 11 women) with a follow-up period between 24 and 59 months were included. Preoperative ischiofemoral space ranged from 6.4 to 22.4 mm, a measure > 17.0 mm was achieved in 15 hips without the presence of pain in IFI test and long-strides walking test. Function improved postoperatively, as reflected by a higher mean mHHS (preoperative: 44.6 ± 21.5, postoperative: 81.2 ± 15.1, p < 0.05). After surgery, the strength of the iliopsoas muscle was not decreased compared to the preoperative measure. Three complications were reported, including two cases that required revision surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic resection of the lesser trochanter via posterior approach provides satisfactory outcomes with symptom relief and good functional results in patients with Ischiofemoral impingement. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks when offering this treatment choice.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.