Trochanterbursa

Trochanteric bursa, also called the greater trochanteric bursa, is a synovial fluid–filled sac located laterally over the greater trochanter of the femur. It lies between the gluteus maximus tendon and the greater trochanter, and serves to reduce friction during hip movements such as walking or running. The bursa is part of the complex of bursae around the hip; it may be described as superficial to the hip abductor tendons, with variability among individuals.

Trochanteric bursitis refers to inflammation or irritation of this bursa. It is a common cause of lateral hip pain and tenderness over the greater trochanter. Contributing factors include overuse (repetitive hip flexion and abduction, runners and cyclists), direct trauma, leg length discrepancy, and conditions that predispose to tendon pathology or inflammatory arthritis. Symptoms include lateral hip pain worse with lying on the affected side, stair climbing, running, and palpation at the greater trochanter. Swelling and warmth may be present, but not always.

Diagnosis is mainly clinical; imaging such as musculoskeletal ultrasound or MRI can confirm bursal swelling and exclude gluteal tendinopathy or other hip pathology. Laboratory tests help when infection or inflammatory arthritis is suspected.

Treatment is typically nonoperative: activity modification, rest, ice, NSAIDs; physical therapy focusing on hip abductor strengthening and flexibility. Corticosteroid injections into the bursa, often guided by ultrasound, provide relief in many cases. Surgical bursectomy is rare and reserved for refractory cases.