Best Practice Case Studies-Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Pdf Summary

Lateral hip pain, commonly seen in clinical settings, often poses diagnostic challenges due to varied causes and complex anatomy. Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS), a broad term now used more frequently, encompasses various etiologies of lateral hip pain including tendinopathies, tears, trigger points, iliotibial band friction, and trochanteric bursae inflammation. Historically known as "trochanteric bursitis," the condition is often mischaracterized, as true trochanteric bursitis is rarely the sole cause of symptoms in chronic cases.<br /><br />The hip's anatomy outside the joint includes the gluteus minimus, medius, and maximus, piriformis, and tensor fascia lata muscles, with the greater trochanteric bursae cushioning these structures. GTPS primarily affects those over 40, with a higher incidence in women, possibly due to biomechanical factors. It can result from intrinsic degenerative tendinopathy, often of the gluteus medius and minimus, with trochanteric bursitis more often a secondary development.<br /><br />Diagnosing GTPS sometimes involves imaging like MRI and ultrasonography to rule out other conditions and confirm tendinopathy or tears. Although conservative treatments involving rest, modifications in activity, and physical therapy focusing on flexibility, strength, and pelvic stabilization are primary, the management can include corticosteroid injections, although long-term benefits are debated. Advanced measures, such as extracorporeal shock wave therapy, regenerative injections, or surgery, are reserved for more severe cases.<br /><br />Understanding GTPS requires acknowledging its complexity and multifactorial nature, focusing not just on inflammation but also addressing underlying tendon pathology and biomechanical abnormalities for effective long-term management. The parallels drawn with shoulder rotator cuff injuries help inform treatment approaches, emphasizing holistic therapeutic plans that incorporate both symptom amelioration and correction of underlying functional issues.

Meta Tag

Edition 2nd Edition

Related Case 2nd Edition, CASE 24

Topic Hip

Keywords

2nd Edition, CASE 24

2nd Edition

Hip

lateral hip pain

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

GTPS

trochanteric bursitis

gluteus medius

tendinopathy

corticosteroid injections

biomechanical factors

extracorporeal shock wave therapy

pelvic stabilization