Trochanteric Bursitis

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Original Editors - Emy Van Rode

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Definition/Description

Hip bursitis is a painful inflammation of a bursa, caused by an acute trauma, overuse or osteoarthritis.There are 3 different types of hip bursitis: Trochanteric bursitis, iliopsoas bursitis and ischial bursitis. Trochanteric bursitis is more common. The term greater trochanteric pain syndrome is now often substituted for trochanteric bursitis.[2] The condition is more prevalent in women than men. [3]

• In this article, the condition trochanteric bursitis will be treated.
  
  

Clinically Relevant Anatomy

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Epidemiology /Etiology

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Characteristics/Clinical Presentation

When the trochanteric bursa is inflammated, the patient will indicate chronic pain and/or point tenderness in the lateral aspect of the hip, more specifically while palpating superior posterior of the greater trochanter. The maximal tenderness is found at the insertion of the M. Gluteus maximus. Tenderness and pain can also be felt over the iliotibial tract.[4] Patients may report that the pain limits their strength and makes their legs feel weak. In some of the cases the patient is not able to lie down the affected side, so pain-related sleep disturbance could develop. [2] Lower back pain can be related to trochanteric bursitis. [6]

In most of the cases there is a weakness of the hip-abductors noticed. So when resisting hip abduction, symptoms of pain and tenderness may be reproduced. This symptoms could also perform while resisting external rotation. It is possible that a snap can be felt in the lateral hip with flexion or extension. [1]

Differential Diagnosis

Trochanteric bursitis is one of the pathologies that can cause lateral hip pain. The other pathologies that are involved could be:

• Gluteal tendonitis
• Gluteal muscle dysfunction (atrophy, tear,…)
• Iliotibial band disorders (Snapping hip syndrome)
• Femoral neck stress fracture
• Lumbar spine disease and ipsilateral hip pain.

[6],[7]

Diagnostic Procedures

• Gluteus medius tendonitis [3]
• Iliotibial band disorders (snapping hip syndrome):
Confirmed with positive Ober’s test. [6]
• Gluteal medius muscle disfunction :
Confirmed with positive Trendelenbrug test. Tenderness involving the whole muscle instead of point tenderness. A tear of the muscle can be revealed with an MRI.[7]

 Iliotibial band disorders, Gluteal muscle atrophy and hip tendonitis are hard to differentiate with a trochanteric bursitis because they could be in relation with, or even be the cause of this disorder. For instance, while testing for Iliotibial band disorders or gluteal muscle atrophy, symptoms will also occur when suffering from a bursitis. MRI must give more specific information. [6]

• Femoral neck stressfracture:
The hop test on one leg will cause pain in the ipsilateral groin region in case of a femoral neck stressfracture. [1]
• Lumbar spine disease and ipsilateral hip pain :
Differentiated with the Faber or Patrick’s test . [1]

Outcome Measures

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Physical Examination

The first part of the physical examination is to observe the person’s gait for abnormalities like asymmetry of the waist and hips, a favored side while walking. Further, an examination of the hip is important to establish any limitations or deficits that the patient may have. It is possible that there is an underlying disorder or anatomical impairment present that may cause a bursitis or tendonitis. A weakness of the Mm. Gluteï, a unilateral tilt of the pelvis because of a leg length difference and lumbar spine disorders like scoliosis could be responsible for a bursitis or tendonitis. [1]

An examination of the lumbar spine and knee is also required when the patient complains about pain in this area’s. This pain can refer to the patient’s hip pain. In general, it is important to observe, to palpate, to check the range of motion and to test the strength of the muscles and other anatomic structures that are involved in this issue. The range of motion can be checked with several tests: The faber test, trendelenbrug test, Ober’s test, Thomas test [1] and the snapping hip maneuver could be helpful in diagnosing the cause of lateral hip pain.[6]

Medical Management

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Physical Therapy Management

Physical therapy is given to improve flexibility, muscle strengthening and joint mechanics. When these aspects are improved, pain will decrease. [4] The therapy consists of stretching the M. Tensor fasciae latae and the Iliotibial band because these aspects are often shortened and causes an increased friction with the bursa. [1] Iliotibal band syndrome can be confirmed with a positive Ober’s test.[6] When physical examination shows weakness of the hip abductors, the physical therapist must give exercises for strengthening the hip abductors. Weakness of these group of muscles can be noticed while testing the patient on trendelenbrug gait. Other physical therapy interventions are the use of ultrasound, moist heat, patient education regarding activity modification and correcting possible training errors. [3]

To heal trochanteric bursitis it is necessary to proceed to infiltration of the bursa with antiphlogistic medication (Corticosteroid-injections). In case of a persistent bursitis surgery has to be considered as well. [8]

Key Research

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Resources

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Clinical Bottom Line

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Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)

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References

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