Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2022, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (2): 296-301.doi: 10.12307/2022.048

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Greater trochanter pain syndrome: anatomy, pathology, differential diagnosis and treatment

Zhang Chao, Lü Xin, Liu Jinyuan, Wang Xiaohu, Xu Xiaopei, Liu Zemin   

  1. Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
  • Received:2020-11-18 Revised:2020-11-21 Accepted:2021-01-16 Online:2022-01-18 Published:2021-10-28
  • Contact: Lü Xin, Chief physician, Master’s supervisor, Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
  • About author:Zhang Chao, Master candidate, Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Greater trochanter pain syndrome indicates a series of peritrochanteric space diseases that cause pain on the lateral side of the hip joint due to damage or pathological changes in the tissue structure around the greater trochanter of the femur. Although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy are effective in most patients, a significant number of patients still experience hip pain and functional limitations. 
OBJECTIVE: To review the literature related to the anatomy, etiology, diagnosis and treatment of great trochanteric pain syndrome in recent years, providing evidence for clinical understanding and treatment of great trochanteric pain syndrome.
METHODS: The databases of Medline and Embase were searched by compute using the keywords of “greater trochanteric pain syndrome, anatomy, etiology, diagnosis, imaging, treatment, surgical” in English. As per the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria, 59 related literatures were finally included and summarized.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome encompasses trochanteric bursitis, abductor tendinopathy (gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tendinopathy), and lliotibial tract friction syndrome. Abductor tendinopathy has been shown to be a major cause of pain. As a result, the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be limited, while other non-surgical treatments, such as home exercise, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, and platelet-rich plasma, appear to be more effective. Non-surgical methods are the primary treatment for greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Open and endoscopic treatment options are available when nonsurgical treatment is unsuccessful.


Key words: greater trochanteric pain syndrome, trochanteric bursitis, abductor tendinopathy, lliotibial tract friction syndrome, MRI, treatment, review

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