A modified Z-plasty technique for severe tightness of the gluteus maximus

The majority of reports concern external snapping hips caused by the iliotibial band. Comparatively, little information is available regarding snapping hips caused by a gluteus maximus. Here we show that hip problems caused by a tight gluteus maximus can be treated using a modified Z-plasty technique. Fourteen hips in seven patients were diagnosed as snapping hips caused by a tight gluteus maximus. The main functional impairment is that when the hips were flexed, legs were abducted widely and could not be adducted. All had functional impairments irresponsive to conservative treatments besides snapping, whether painful or not, and all patients underwent surgery using a modified Z-plasty technique on the iliotibial band. All patients were followed up and the mean follow-up was 7 years. All patients had complete resolution of functional impairments, snapping, and pain after surgery. No patient needed revision surgery, and there were no complications, such as, abductor weakness, or irritation over the greater trochanter. We suggest that the intrinsic tendon contracture can cause serious functional impairment in patients with snapping due to a tight gluteus maximus. In this context, a modified Z-plasty technique offers a good surgical approach.