Related Experiment Videos
MRI in greater trochanter pain syndrome
Geraldine Walsh1, Colin G Archibald
1Department of Radiology, Greenslopes Private Hospital and Division of Medical Imaging, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. cgwalsh@ozemail.com.au
Abstract:
The greater trochanter pain syndrome refers to pain on the lateral aspect of the hip joint. This is frequently attributed to trochanteric bursitis and distension of the subgluteal bursae. Associated tears of the tendons of gluteus medius and minimus have been described and may result from repetitive frictional trauma to these tendons and their associated bursae secondary to impingement beneath the tensor fascia lata. Occasionally tendinous damage may result from acute local direct trauma or a hyperadductive strain injury. We describe MRI in two patients with chronic lateral hip pain.
Insights
Greater trochanter pain syndrome, often linked to hip bursitis, can involve tears in the gluteus medius and minimus tendons. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) aids in diagnosing these chronic lateral hip pain conditions.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Greater trochanter pain syndrome (GTPS) is characterized by lateral hip joint pain, commonly diagnosed as trochanteric bursitis.
- GTPS may involve distension of subgluteal bursae and tears of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons.
- Tendinous damage in GTPS can stem from repetitive friction due to tensor fascia lata impingement or acute trauma.
Observation:
- This report details the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in two patients presenting with chronic lateral hip pain.
- The patients experienced symptoms consistent with greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
Findings:
- MRI revealed associated tears of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons in both patients.
- The imaging findings suggest a potential link between tendinous tears and the underlying pathology of GTPS.
Implications:
- These findings highlight the utility of MRI in diagnosing complex cases of GTPS.
- Understanding the role of tendinous tears in GTPS can inform treatment strategies.
- Further research into the biomechanics of GTPS and associated tendinopathies is warranted.