The Hip-Spine Connection: How to Differentiate Hip Conditions From Spine Pathology

Practitioners treating spine pathology commonly encounter patients with hip pain. These patients frequently manifest groin, buttock, trochanteric, or knee pain. Complex biomechanical interaction between the axial and the appen- dicular skeleton may result in compensatory adaptation. Cross-innervation of the hip and surrounding tissues may make diagnosis of the primary source difficult, leading to delayed diagnosis. This review elucidates the interac- tion between the hip and the spine and can assist clinicians in recogniz- ing the hip as a potential source of pain. Diagnostic guidelines enabling a streamlined workup of patients presenting with confusing symptoms related to the hip that masquerade as a spine disorder are presented. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(6):e699-e706.]