Eccentric hip abductor weakness in patients with symptomatic external snapping hip

Symptomatic external snapping hip can be a longstanding condition affecting physical function in younger people between 15–40 years. Gluteal weakness has been suggested to be associated with the condition. The aim of this study was to investigate whether eccentric hip abduction strength is decreased in patients with external snapping hip compared with healthy matched controls, and to examine isometric hip abduction, adduction, extension, flexion, internal rotation, and external rotation in patients with external snapping hip and matched controls. Thirteen patients with external snapping hip were compared with 13 healthy matched controls in a cross-sectional study design. The mean age of the patients was 25.5 (3.4) years and the mean age of the controls was 25.6 (2.6) years. Eccentric and isometric strength were assessed with a handheld dynamometer, using reliable test procedures. Eccentric hip abduction strength was 16% lower in patients with external snapping hip compared with healthy matched controls (1.50 (0.47) Nm/kg versus 1.82 (0.48) Nm/kg, P = 0.01). No other strength differences were measured between patients and controls (P > 0.05). Eccentric hip abductor weakness was present in patients with symptomatic external snapping hip compared with healthy matched controls.