Greater Trochanteric Bursa

Greater trochanteric bursa is located under the tensor fasciae lata along with the gluteus maximus as they merge to create the iliotibial tract above the greater trochanter. This bursa is localized to examine on the lateral part of the thigh on the junction of the lower side of the greater trochanter along with the lateral proximal femur.

Clinical Significance

Bursitis

Trochanteric bursitis is swelling of the bursa which is a fluid-filled vesicle around a joint on the outer (lateral) point of the hip called the greater trochanter. Whenever this bursa gets agitated or swollen, it triggers pain within the hip. This is a frequent reason for hip pain. Trochanteric bursitis generally creates the following signs:

• Pain outside of the hip and thigh or in the buttock.
• Pain when lying on the affected side.
• Pain when you press in on the exterior of the hip.
• Pain that becomes worse during actions like standing up from a deep chair or exiting a car.
• Pain with walking up stairs.

The Hip Joint

The greater trochanter is the rim on top of the femur. The trochanteric bursa might get swollen by a set of muscles or tendons grinding above the bursa and creating friction against the femur. This injury can happen traumatically by a fall or a sport-related impact wound. It can even be a case of progressive start via a repeated trauma towards the bursa through such actions as running (with poor muscles control or method), walking in exhaustion, or cycling, particularly whenever the bicycle seat is very high. It is also a secondary injury related to chronic conditions such as:

• Scoliosis – curving of the spine.
• Unequal leg length.
• Weak hip muscles.
• Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) of the hips or lower back.
• Calcium deposition within the gluteal tendons which overlap the bursa.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.