Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Excerpt

Hip pain is a common orthopedic problem. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), previously known as trochanteric bursitis, affects 1.8 per 1000 patients annually. GTPS results from degenerative changes affecting the gluteal tendons and bursa. Patients complain of pain over the lateral aspect of the thigh that is exacerbated with prolonged sitting, climbing stairs, high impact physical activity, or lying over the affected area. GTPS contains a range of causes, including gluteal tendinopathy, trochanteric bursitis, and external coxa saltans. While the pathogenesis is not completely understood, symptoms are associated with myofascial pain rather than inflammation. The main bursae that are associated with GPTS are the gluteus minimus, subgluteus medius, and the subgluteus maximus. The hip joint withstands loads up to 6 to 8 times body weight during normal walking or jogging. Due to constant mechanical load, this joint is prone to wear and tear injury during athletic maneuvers.