Abstract
Chronic pain and tenderness at the greater trochanter characterizes trochanteric pain
syndrome. For a long time, trochanteric bursitis was thought to be the only underlying
pathology; however, investigations have shown that tendinopathy of the abductors is
the main cause, followed by iliotibial band thickening and, to a lesser extent, abductor
tendon tears. Trochanteric bursitis can be associated with it. On magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI), peritrochanteric T2 abnormalities are evident in greater trochanteric
pain syndrome. However, this is also frequently encountered in asymptomatic patients.
In the postoperative setting, patients with total hip arthroplasties and transtendinous
lateral or posterior surgical access are prone to tendon injury. Symptomatic patients
typically present with tendon tears, whereas peritrochanteric fluid, thickening, and
signal alterations of the abductors and fatty atrophy of the gluteus minimus muscle
are often encountered in asymptomatic postoperative hips. MRI and ultrasound are proven
and reliable imaging modalities in patients with greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
Awareness of typical imaging findings, in particular in postoperative patients, are
helpful in the evaluation of patients.
Keywords
MRI - trochanteric pain - abductor tendon tear - trochanteric bursitis - hip arthroplasty
