What is trochanteric bursitis?

• A. Fracture of the femoral neck
• B. Tendinopathy of the hip flexors
• C. Inflammation of the bursa located near the greater trochanter
• D. Osteoarthritis of the hip

Answer: (C)

Trochanteric bursitis is inflammation of the bursa located near the greater trochanter of the femur. This causes lateral hip pain that is often felt directly over the outer hip and is worsened by activities that load the hip abductors or when lying on the affected side. On exam you typically find tenderness over the greater trochanter and may have pain with resisted hip abduction or with activities like stairs or lying on the involved side. This presentation is distinct from a femoral neck fracture, which presents with sudden, severe hip pain after trauma and often an inability to bear weight; from hip flexor tendinopathy, which causes anterior groin pain and tenderness at the tendons rather than the outer hip; and from hip osteoarthritis, which usually involves deep groin pain with stiffness and reduced hip range of motion. Understanding the painful area and the structures involved helps identify trochanteric bursitis as the inflamed bursa near the greater trochanter.