Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: What is the Meaning?

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of lower extremity pain. This is frequentlyattributed to trochanteric bursitis and distension of the subgluteal bursae. Patients are suffering from pain radiatingto the posterolateral aspect of the thigh, paraesthesiae in the legs, and tenderness over the iliotibial tract. Often thesymptoms are mild, with the patient treating himself successfully through activity modification and other conservativemeasures. including relative rest, ice, compression, elevation, anti-inflammatory medication and treatment modalitiessuch as ultrasound and electrical stimulation, combined with a structured rehabilitation program. Patients whosesymptoms persist despite conservative therapy are likely to benefit from an injection of corticosteroid and anaestheticinto the inflamed bursa. More invasive surgical interventions have anecdotally been reported to provide pain reliefwhen previous treatment modalities fail.In this article, we review the pathogenesis, common initial symptoms, diagnostic approach, and treatment optionsfor trochanteric bursitis.