Greater trochanteric pain syndrome

This is a condition in which pain is experienced around the outer aspect of the hip. Other symptoms include pain deep in the hip, buttock and down the outside aspect of the thigh, “snapping” hip with movement and joint restriction.

The predominant cause is tendinopathy of the “rotator cuff of the hip”, muscles which are primarily involved with hip joint stability- particularly the gluteus minimus and gluteus medius muscles. Tendinopathy of another rotator cuff muscle, the tensor fascia, is also often involved. Three bursae, located between the attachment of these muscles’ tendons and the bone, can lead to irritation and inflammation (bursitis), which can contribute to symptoms.

Although this condition is very common, reported to affect between 10% and 25% of the general population, numerous MRI studies indicate it is frequently misdiagnosed. Because these muscles attach deep into the hip giving rise to deep pain and joint restriction, it is often mistaken for simply bursitis or hip arthritis.