Trochanteric Bursitis

Repetitive trauma caused by iliotibial band tracking over trochanteric bursa which causes inflammation of the bursa

Aetiology

  • Female patients
  • Young runners and older patients
  • May be linked to gluteal cuff syndrome
    • The broad tendinous insertion of the abductor muscles (predominantly the gluteus medius) is under considerable strain and is subject to tendonitis and degeneration leading to tendon tears

Clinical presentation

Symptoms

  • Pain on the lateral aspect of the hip

Signs

  • Pain on palpation of the greater trochanter
  • Pain on restricted abduction

Investigations

  • Clinical diagnosis
  • X-rays usually unremarkable
  • Visible on MRI but not usually needed

Management

  • Analgesia - NSAIDs
  • Physiotherapy (to strengthen other muscles and avoid abductor weakness)
  • Steriod injection
  • No proven benefit from surgery