Ischiofemoral impingement
Ischiofemoral impingement syndrome (IFI) is an underrecognized form of atypical, extra-articular hip impingement defined by hip pain related to narrowing of the space between the ischial tuberosity and the femur.
The etiology of IFI is multifactorial and potential sources of ischiofemoral engagement include anatomic variants of the proximal femur or pelvis, functional disorders as hip instability, pelvic/spinal instability, or abductor/adductor imbalance, ischial tuberosity enthesopathies, trauma/overuse or extreme hip motion, iatrogenic conditions, tumors and other pathologies.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the diagnostic procedure of choice for assessing IFI and may substantially influence patient management.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the diagnostic procedure of choice for assessing IFI and may substantially influence patient management.
The injection test of the ischiofemoral space (IFS) has both a diagnostic and therapeutic function. Endoscopic decompression of the IFS appears useful in improving function and diminishing hip pain in patients with IFI but conservative treatment is always the first step in the treatment algorithm.
Because of the ever-increasing use of advanced MRI techniques, the frequent response to conservative treatment, and the excellent outcomes of new endoscopic treatment, radiologists must be aware of factors that predispose or cause IFI. In addition, focused treatment in these conditions is often more important than in secondary impingement.