What is trochanteritis?

Trochanteritis (Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, GTPS) is inflammation and degeneration of the tendons of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles at their attachment to the greater trochanter of the femur, often accompanied by bursitis.

It is one of the most common causes of lateral hip pain. It occurs in 1.8–5.6 per 1,000 patients annually, predominantly in women over 40. It is often misdiagnosed as “hip osteoarthritis”.

Causes:

Tendinopathy — chronic overload of gluteus medius tendons
Muscle weakness — insufficiency of hip abductor muscles
Overload — running, prolonged walking, stair climbing
Biomechanics — leg length discrepancy, knee valgus
Trauma — fall on the side, contusion
Comorbidities — hip osteoarthritis, low back pain, scoliosis

Symptoms of trochanteritis

Typical symptoms

Pain on the outer surface of the hip
Pain when lying on the affected side (night pain)
Pain when climbing stairs
Pain when standing up after prolonged sitting
Point tenderness over the greater trochanter
Pain with resisted hip abduction

Key tests

Trendelenburg test — abductor weakness
FABER test — hip abduction in lateral position
Palpation of the greater trochanter — sharp tenderness
Pain when walking > 500 m

Why steroids are not the answer

Cortisone relieves pain for 4–12 weeks
Repeated injections weaken tendons
Risk of gluteus medius rupture increases
Recurrences become more frequent with each injection
Regenerative treatment — tendon and bursa restoration

Diagnosing trochanteritis

Ultrasound

Dynamic ultrasound reveals thickening/inflammation of gluteus medius tendons, fluid in the bursa, and partial tendon tears. Allows real-time assessment.

MRI

Shows bone marrow oedema of the greater trochanter, tendinopathy/tendon tears, and bursa condition. Essential to rule out avascular necrosis and hip osteoarthritis.

X-ray

Rules out tendon calcifications and assesses hip joint condition. May show calcific trochanteritis.

How regenerative treatment treats trochanteritis

Ultrasound diagnostics

Ultrasound identifies the precise location of inflammation — bursa, gluteus medius/minimus tendons, presence of partial tears.

Concentrate preparation

From blood — CGF with powerful anti-inflammatory action (IL-1Ra, IL-10) and fibrin scaffold. In severe cases — MFAT with stem cells for deep tendon regeneration.

Ultrasound-guided injection

Under Ultrasound guidance guidance, concentrates are injected directly into the bursa and damaged tendons. Precise navigation ensures maximum effectiveness.

Regeneration

Growth factors eliminate inflammation without steroids. Stem cells restore damaged tendon fibres and bursa. Result — pain relief and function restoration for years.

Regenerative method Advantages

A broad range of indications

Regenerative methods are used for many orthopaedic and spinal conditions. Some cases still call for surgery.

No anesthesia or incisions

Outpatient treatment via 0.3-1.5 mm puncture. No general anesthesia or hospitalization.

No age restrictions

Regeneration at any age. Safe for chronic conditions and anesthesia intolerance.

Rapid improvement

Concentrates have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Relief within days.

Multiple zones at once

Simultaneous treatment of multiple discs or joints in one procedure.

Home the same day

No crutches, braces or rehabilitation needed. MRI follow-up at 8-16 weeks.

Regenerative treatment Technology

Navigation system

Intraoperative robotic navigation system. Provides precise access to deep structures with 1 mm and 1 degree accuracy.

Ultrasound guidance

Device for intervention under sonographic control. Eliminates open surgeries with real-time visual monitoring.

More about technologies →

Frequently asked questions about trochanteritis treatment

Why is regenerative treatment better than cortisone injections for trochanteritis?

Cortisone reduces inflammation for 4–12 weeks but repeated injections weaken tendons and increase the risk of gluteus medius rupture. Regenerative treatment not only eliminates inflammation but regenerates damaged tendons and bursa — the effect is long-lasting and progressive.

How quickly does trochanteritis pain resolve?

Anti-inflammatory effect appears within the first few days. Significant pain reduction within 1–2 weeks. Full tendon recovery in 6–12 weeks. Unlike steroids, the regenerative treatment effect does not diminish over time.

Are trochanteritis and bursitis the same thing?

Not exactly. Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa. Trochanteritis (GTPS) is a broader concept: tendinopathy of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons + bursitis. In 90% of cases, the cause of pain is tendinopathy rather than isolated bursitis. Regenerative treatment treats both components simultaneously.

Can trochanteritis and hip osteoarthritis be treated at the same time?

Yes. Trochanteritis often accompanies hip osteoarthritis. Regenerative treatment allows treating tendons and bursa (externally) as well as the hip joint (intra-articular) in one procedure. A comprehensive approach ensures the best outcome.

Treatment Compare Methods Cost

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Describe your case and attach your MRI report. We will identify clinics that use the relevant methods and forward your request to them. No obligation; we reply within two working days.

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