Which structure is inflamed in trochanteric bursitis?

Which structure is inflamed in trochanteric bursitis?

• A. The bursa near the greater trochanter
• B. The hip joint capsule
• C. The acetabular labrum
• D. The iliopsoas tendon

Answer: (A)

Trochanteric bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa that sits over the greater trochanter, cushioning the gluteal tendons as they slide under the skin and over the bone. This explains the classic picture of lateral hip pain with focal tenderness at the outer hip, especially when lying on the affected side or with activities that compress the outer hip. The other structures listed are not the site of this inflammation: inflammation of the hip joint capsule would imply intra-articular arthritis with deeper, in-hip or groin pain; the acetabular labrum is involved in labral tears that produce deep groin pain and mechanical symptoms; the iliopsoas tendon is involved in anterior hip pain with flexion. So the bursa near the greater trochanter is the correct structure involved.

Trochanteric bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa that sits over the greater trochanter, cushioning the gluteal tendons as they slide under the skin and over the bone. This explains the classic picture of lateral hip pain with focal tenderness at the outer hip, especially when lying on the affected side or with activities that compress the outer hip. The other structures listed are not the site of this inflammation: inflammation of the hip joint capsule would imply intra-articular arthritis with deeper, in-hip or groin pain; the acetabular labrum is involved in labral tears that produce deep groin pain and mechanical symptoms; the iliopsoas tendon is involved in anterior hip pain with flexion. So the bursa near the greater trochanter is the correct structure involved.