Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (Greater Trochanteric Bursitis)

Abstract

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is characterized by reproducible tenderness over the buttock and lateral aspect of the thigh. This pain syndrome, once described as trochanteric bursitis, can mimic pain generated from many sources, some of which are myofascial pain, iliotibial band (ITB) disorders, spinal pathology, and degenerative joint disease. Symptoms of this regional syndrome consist of pain in the lateral hip that may radiate down the leg to the level where the iliotibial band inserts on the proximal tibia.² Physical exam normally elicits tenderness during palpation over the greater trochanter. Conservative measures such as physical therapy, NSAIDs, and weight loss may help relieve most of these symptoms; however, more aggressive treatment modalities such as lateral hip injections and surgical interventions may be warranted if conservative measures are not successful.