Greater Trochanteric Bursitis

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The greater trochanter is the bony prominence on the outer side of your upper femur. A bursa — a small fluid-filled cushioning sac — lies over it, allowing the iliotibial band and gluteal tendons to glide without friction. When that bursa becomes inflamed (bursitis), every step that loads the outer hip causes pain.

Greater trochanteric bursitis is the most common cause of lateral hip pain. It is more common in middle-aged women and in runners. Weak hip abductors, leg-length discrepancy, and IT band tightness are contributing factors. The term "greater trochanteric pain syndrome" is often preferred because gluteal tendinopathy — partial tearing of the gluteus medius or minimus tendons — frequently co-exists with or mimics bursitis.

The hallmark is point tenderness directly over the greater trochanter, reproduced by pressing on the outer hip. Pain typically worsens lying on the affected side, climbing stairs, or walking. X-rays are usually normal but exclude bony pathology. Ultrasound or MRI can confirm bursitis and identify associated gluteal tendinopathy.

1. Corticosteroid injection

   Ultrasound-guided injection into the bursa provides rapid, significant pain relief and is a useful adjunct to physical therapy.

2. PRP injection

   Platelet-rich plasma injected into the bursa or directly into an associated tendinopathy is a reasonable option when cortisone has provided only temporary relief.

Surgery is rarely needed. When a partial or full-thickness gluteal tendon tear is confirmed and does not respond to non-operative care, repair may be considered.

External patient-education references and related OSI pages for additional background:

• Britannica — Bursitis
• Britannica — Hip (anatomy)
• AAOS OrthoInfo — patient education library
• OSI glossary — orthopedic terminology in plain language