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Imaging recommendation · Musculoskeletal

Lateral hip pain in middle-aged woman (greater trochanteric pain syndrome)

Recommended: Ultrasound or MRI Hip is the preferred imaging study for lateral hip pain in middle-aged woman (greater trochanteric pain syndrome). Gluteus medius / minimus tendinopathy and tears, trochanteric bursitis.

Recommended study

Ultrasound or MRI Hip

US No contrast Preferred Musculoskeletal Outpatient Reviewed

Gluteus medius / minimus tendinopathy and tears, trochanteric bursitis. Previously called 'trochanteric bursitis' alone.

If the default doesn't apply

Pre-operative planning for tendon repair
MRI MRI Hip No contrast

Watch-outs

Distinguish from hip joint pathology

Pain at lateral hip / point tenderness over greater trochanter = GTPS; groin pain = intra-articular hip.

Pearls

  • Most common cause of lateral hip pain in older women.
  • Tendinosis → partial tear → full thickness tear spectrum.
  • Treatment: PT, injections, PRP, surgical repair if refractory.
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