Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, often shortened to GTPS (previously termed Trochanteric Bursitis) is concerned with the muscles of the thigh, their attachment to the bones and the fluid-filled sacs in the joints known as bursa.
There is a global incidence of around 1.8 people per 1000 people.
What is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)?
GTPS is pain over the outer part of the hip. It used to be called trochanteric bursitis, as a thin sack of tissue called the trochanteric bursa is often inflamed. Increasingly it is believed that the hip abductor muscles, which attach to the outer part of the hip, play a major role in the development of pain rather than just the bursa.
What are the symptoms of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)?
Pain over the outer part of the hip, which may radiate into the buttock or down the leg. The symptoms can start gradually without an obvious cause or may occur after a fall onto the side or after particularly strenuous exercise. Pain may just come on with exercise or be present continually. Pressing on the side of the hip is painful, it can often be too painful to sleep on the side affected by the condition.
How is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) diagnosed?
Usually, the history of symptoms and a careful examination will suggest the diagnosis. An x-ray, ultrasound scan or MRI may be suggested to exclude problems that cause similar symptoms such as a tear in the hip abductor muscles or hip arthritis.
How is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) treated?
In most cases, lifestyle changes, physiotherapy and simple anti-inflammatories are all that is required to settle the symptoms of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS). If this does not lead to resolution of the pain then shockwave ultrasound treatment or special injections can help. In rare circumstances, surgery can be required to remove the bursa or release the tight layer of tissue over the outer part of the hip.