Symptomatic Herniation Pit of the Femoral Neck: A Case Report
Received 17 September 2003; accepted 12 January 2004.
Abstract
Objective
To discuss herniation pits of the femoral neck as a possible source of hip pain in a young athletic population.
Clinical Features
A 25-year-old former varsity volleyball player sought treatment for recurrent episodes of sharp left hip pain after intense physical activity. Radiographs revealed a small, oval, lobulated radiolucency with a thin sclerotic border in the superolateral aspect of the left femoral neck. Passive internal rotation of the left hip reproduced the complaint. Iliopsoas tendinitis/bursitis tests did not reproduce the complaint.
Intervention and Outcome
The patient reported no significant reduction of hip pain after a variety of conservative therapies including soft tissue therapy, stretching, interferential current, and long-axis distraction.
Conclusion
There is evidence to suggest that herniation pits of the femoral neck are a result of mechanical stress from the overlying joint capsule and iliopsoas tendon. Herniation pits of the femoral neck should be considered a potential cause of hip pain, particularly if the patient is physically active.
aDepartment of Clinical Education, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Submit requests for reprints to: Cameron Borody, DC, FCCSS (C), Department of Clinical Education, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, 6100 Leslie St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M2H 3J1.
ABSTRACT