Trochanteric bursitis is a common cause of pain on the outside of the hip. It is also sometimes called:

  • Gluteal tendinopathy
  • Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS)

Most patients trochanteric bursitis will respond to conservative treatment, including injections and physiotherapy. However, some patients will require hip arthroscopic surgery.

What is trochanteric bursitis of the hip?

A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body. Bursae are found near joints, especially where tendons attach themselves to the bone.

Bursitis is a condition where the bursa becomes inflamed.

There are a number of bursae around the hip joint.

The trochanteric bursa is located on the side of your hip, and is the bursa that is most commonly inflammed around the hip. It causes a dull, burning pain on the side of the hip. Often, it is difficult to lie on that side, making sleep difficult.

What are the symptoms of trochanteric bursitis?

Trochanteric bursitis is usually easily diagnosed through clinical history and examination:

  • Pain on the side of the hip
  • Tender to touch on the side
  • Difficulty sleeping on that side
  • In severe cases, limping may occur

Further Reading and References