Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: An Update on Diagnosis and Management

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of extra-articular lateral hip pain. The underlying etiology of GTPS ranges from gluteus medius and minimus tendinopathy or tears, to external coxa saltans or iliotibial band syndrome. Historically, this source of lateral hip pain was typically diagnosed as trochanteric bursitis as it was believed to be due to inflammation of the subgluteus maximus bursa. However, recent imaging and histopathological studies have shown that most cases are instead due to underlying gluteus medius or minimus tendon disorders. Identifying the specific pain generator in GTPS is important as the treatment differs depending on the cause. Strengthening should be prescribed in cases of gluteal tendinopathy; corticosteroid injections and NSAIDs may be helpful in cases of primary bursitis; and surgery may be indicated in functionally limiting gluteal tendon tears unresponsive to conservative treatment. © 2014, Springer Science + Business Media New York.