Greater trochanteric pain syndrome: a simplified MRI approach

Background: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) refers to pain and tenderness over the greater trochanter. It is a common entity of lateral hip pain that is usually related to the overuse or small injuries of the gluteus medius or minimus tendons and their surrounding bursae. MRI is the favored modality for evaluation of the hip region disorders. Treatment options ranges from conservative to surgical treatment. Results: Trochanteric (sub-gluteal maximus) bursal fluid was the most common finding found in 55 hips (73%), followed by gluteal tendinosis (64%) and partial thickness gluteal tendon tear (29%). Full thickness tear of the gluteal tendons occurred in 10 hips (13%). The relation between gluteal tendinosis and greater trochanteric bursal fluid was statistically significant (P < 0.05) with sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 78% respectively. Conclusion: MRI should be utilized in a simple systemized approach by MSK radiologist in order not to miss a finding that may influence the surgical outcome of the patient presenting with GTPS.