The subspine or anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) is a bony process located on the wing of the ilium (upper, large, flat and cup-shaped bone of the hip bone). It lies deep under the soft tissues where the ilium slopes towards the hip joint. The subspine is divided into three types:

  • Type I: The ilium wall is smooth and does not consist of a bony process between the subspine and rim of the hip socket.
  • Type II: Bony processes extend from the lower area of the subspine to the rim of the socket.
  • Type III: The subspine has a downward spur-like appearance, extending below the rim of the hip socket.
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The shape of the AIIS correlates with the range of motion of the hip and any bony outgrowth can cause the bones to painfully rub against each other (impingement). Hip impingements were generally thought to be a cause of abnormal growths in the bones that make up the ball and socket joint of the hip, namely the femur (thigh bone) and the acetabulum (socket of the hip bone). It is now seen that even bone structures apart from the joint can lead to impingement. Subspineimpingement as seen with type II and type III shapes of the subspine is a critical condition that causes the decrease in internal rotation and hip flexion (upward lifting of the knee), thereby requiring correction.

Causes

Subspine impingement is caused when the prominent region of the subspine impinges on the neck of the thigh bone (femur) during hip flexion.

Symptoms

Patients with subspine impingement generally face the following problems:

  • Inflammation of the synovial membrane (joint lining)
  • Pain
  • Limited movement of the hip

Further complications

Subspine impingement can further lead to the following complications:

  • Labral ecchymosis, which is bruising underneath the labrum (tissue lining hip socket)
  • Build-up of bone near the rim of the hip socket
  • Calcium deposits within the rectus muscle in the hip region

Diagnosis

Your doctor will discuss the symptoms and conduct a physical examination of your hip. An impingement test will be conducted by moving your knee towards your chest and rotating it towards your opposite shoulder. Impingement is confirmed if you experience hip pain.

Your doctor may also order imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm the bony deformity.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the extent of impingement and the occurrence of deformity. Subspine impingement is treated with an arthroscopic decompression technique (minimal invasive surgery using a small camera and a lighted device) or as an open decompression. If an avulsion fracture is involved, where a part of the bone from the subspine gets detached along with a muscle and tendon tear, it is surgically excised during an open surgery.