What are some risk factors for developing trochanteric bursitis?

• A. Repetitive movement, direct trauma, prolonged pressure, older age, and female gender
• B. Sedentary lifestyle, male gender
• C. Regular high-impact activity without rest
• D. Hyperextension injuries

Answer: (A)

Trochanteric bursitis occurs when the bursa over the greater trochanter becomes irritated and inflamed. The best answer reflects a combination of overuse, trauma, and factors related to aging and pelvic anatomy. Repetitive movement increases friction at the outer hip, especially with activities like running, stair climbing, and sports that involve rapid directional changes. Direct trauma to the lateral hip, such as a fall or a blow, can inflame the bursa. Prolonged pressure on the lateral hip, such as lying on one side for extended periods or prolonged side-lying positions, also irritates the bursa. Aging brings degenerative changes and reduced tissue resilience that predispose to inflammation, and female gender is associated with hip biomechanics and pelvic structure that can place more load on the trochanteric region.

Sedentary lifestyle and male gender are not typical risk factors for this condition, and while high-impact activity without rest can contribute via overuse, it falls under the same broad mechanism of repetitive movement. Hyperextension injuries are not a common cause of trochanteric bursitis.