INTRODUCTION
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of lateral hip pain, seen more commonly in females between the ages of 40 and 60.1,2 GTPS is the cause of hip pain in 10–20% of patients presenting with hip pain to primary care, with an incidence of 1.8 patients per 1000 per year.1–3
Traditionally thought to be due to trochanteric bursitis, surgical, histological, and imaging studies have shown that GTPS is attributable to tendinopathy of the gluteus medius and/or minimus with or without coexisting bursal pathology.1,4,5 Abnormal hip biomechanics are hypothesised to predispose to the development of these gluteal tendinopathies. Compressive forces cause impingement of the gluteal tendons and bursa onto the greater trochanter by the iliotibial band (ITB) as the hip moves into adduction. Compressive forces are increased where there is weakness of the hip abductor muscles due to lateral pelvic tilt.6
DIAGNOSIS
Patients commonly present with lateral hip pain, localised to the greater trochanter, which is worse with weightbearing activities and side lying at night.1,4,7 There may be associated radiation down the lateral thigh to the knee. Pain may progressively worsen over time and be triggered or exacerbated by sudden unaccustomed exercise, falls, prolonged weightbearing, or sporting overuse (commonly long-distance running).4
This condition carries significant morbidity; pain on side lying and subsequent reduction in physical activity levels carry negative implications for …
