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Obturator internus bursitis: a common factor in low back pain
1Arthritis & Back Pain Center, Santa Monica, Calif. 90404.
Orthopedics
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Obturator internus bursa (OIB) irritation is a common cause of low back pain, particularly in women. Targeting OIB with therapy or injections can improve treatment for myofascial pain.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Anatomy
Background:
- Low back pain is a prevalent condition with multifactorial causes.
- Myofascial pain contributes significantly to low back pain.
- The obturator internus bursa (OIB) has not been widely recognized as a source of pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of obturator internus bursa (OIB) tenderness in patients with low back pain.
- To determine the association between OIB tenderness and regional myofascial pain.
- To evaluate the potential of OIB as a target for therapeutic interventions.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 50 consecutive patients presenting with low back pain.
- Physical examination including palpation to identify tenderness at the anatomical site of the OIB.
- Assessment for regional myofascial pain.
Main Results:
- Tenderness of the OIB was found in 36% (18 of 50) of patients with low back pain.
- OIB tenderness was more prevalent in women (43%) than men (11%).
- Of patients with regional myofascial pain, 42% (8 of 19) exhibited OIB tenderness.
Conclusions:
- Obturator internus bursa (OIB) irritation is a common and often overlooked source of myofascial pain contributing to low back pain.
- Palpation of the OIB is a valuable diagnostic step in patients with low back pain.
- Targeting the OIB with conservative therapy or local steroid injections may enhance treatment efficacy for myofascial disorders associated with low back pain.