Bursa Injection for Relief from Trochanteric Bursitis Pain

Janet D. Pearl, MD, MSc

Suffering From Pain?

We Can Help

Suffering From Pain?

We Can Help

Suffering From Pain?

We Can Help

Suffering From Pain?

We Can Help

Bursa Injection for Relief from Hip Bursitis Pain

Bursa injections are an important option within the comprehensive treatment plan of Trochanteric Bursitis (hip bursitis), an inflammatory condition of the bursa located just superficial to the greater trochanter of the femur. This condition is characterized by lateral hip pain, which may radiate down the outside aspect of the thigh. Acute or repetitive trauma may cause bursitis. Bruises from heavy impacts, falls, and contact sports usually cause acute trauma, whereas irritation of the bursal region due to friction of the illiotibial band (ITB), mostly occurring in runners or less active individuals, can cause repetitive trauma. Sometimes, discrepancy in leg-length or hip surgery may also cause Trochanteric Bursitis.

Corticosteroid injection in the Trochanteric Bursa is considered an effective therapy with prolonged benefits. Bursa injection involve injection of a local anesthetic with 40-80 mg of steroids like methylprednisolone acetate or triamcilone acetonide into the bursa. The injection can be repeated at 4-6 weeks, if pain relief has been less than 50%.

Bursa injections are well taken and very few post-injection complications are reported. The procedure is reported to have 60-66% improvement rates at follow-up visits 1 year and 5 years later. Patients who receive a corticosteroid bursa injection have been found to have a 2.7-fold higher chance of recovery at 5 years, as compared to patients who have not received the bursa injection.* Restriction of activities like climbing stairs, getting in and out of chairs, and direct pressure on the affected site should be minimized after the injection for prolonged results.

Lievense A, Bierma-Zeinstra S, Schouten B: Prognosis of Trochanteric pain in primary care. Br J Gen Pract 2005 Mar; 55(512): 199-204

Hip bursitis
hip bursitis treatment

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