Evaluation of clinical tests to diagnose iliopsoas tendinopathy

Review written by Dr Stacey Hardin info

Key Points

  1. Diagnosing iliopsoas tendinopathy can be challenging due to nonspecific pain patterns and clinical signs commonly seen with many other conditions.
All key points available for members only
Start free trial Icon
Or log in here

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Diagnosing iliopsoas tendinopathy can be challenging due to nonspecific pain patterns and clinical signs commonly seen with many other conditions (1). Traditional clinical tests usually focus on hip flexion, the primary action of the iliopsoas. The newly described hip–external rotation–flexion-ceiling (HEC) test combines the primary action of the iliopsoas with the secondary action (external rotation), possibly improving diagnostic reliability.

The objectives of the study were three-fold:

  1. To determine the accuracy of the new HEC test and 10 other common tests for iliopsoas-related groin pain

  2. To determine whether tests were “good” or “poor” for diagnosing iliopsoas tendinopathy

  3. To rank all tests to determine the best diagnostic tool.

The newly described hip–external rotation–flexion-ceiling (HEC) test combines the primary action of the iliopsoas with the secondary action (external rotation), possibly improving diagnostic reliability.
bulb
Clinicians should consider incorporating the described hip–external rotation–flexion-ceiling (HEC) test in their routine evaluations of patients with groin pain.

METHODS

  • 44 participants with persistent groin pain (mean age 48; 34% male) completed this study. Participants had native hips (52%) and hips that had undergone THAs (48%).
Start free trial Icon
to unlock full access to this review and 1145 more
Or log in here
Trustpilot