Surgical Aftermath Bursitis in the Trochanter: Causes and Treatment Strategies
Trochanteric bursitis is a common condition that affects the hip area, causing pain and discomfort. This condition occurs when the bursa, a fluid-filled sac located near the joint, becomes inflamed. The bursa helps to reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles, allowing for smooth movement of the joint.
The main symptom of trochanteric bursitis is localized hip pain that may increase with movement and is often felt when pressing on the greater trochanter. Nocturnal symptoms are common, with many patients reporting exacerbated pain when lying on the affected side.
There are various causes of trochanteric bursitis. Sports that involve repetitive motions, such as running and tennis, and jobs that require manual labor increase the risk. Common non-surgical causes include falling or bumping the hip, poor posture, overexertion, and pre-existing conditions like scoliosis, bone spurs, calcific tendonitis, and discrepant leg lengths. Hip injuries, poor posture, overexertion, and complications after hip surgery can also cause trochanteric bursitis.
In post-surgical cases, trochanteric bursitis often stems from iatrogenic trauma or incomplete healing of divided muscles or tendons after surgery. Specifically, after a total hip replacement, altered biomechanics, postoperative muscle weakness or imbalance, leg length differences, scar tissue, and repetitive hip motion or excessive activity before adequate recovery are typical contributing factors.
Management of trochanteric bursitis often involves activity modification, targeted exercises to strengthen hip stabilizers, addressing leg length or gait abnormalities, and sometimes corticosteroid injections if inflammation persists. Mobility aids such as canes and crutches can reduce the strain placed on the patient and help reduce the pain experienced while allowing the inflamed bursa an opportunity to heal.
Physical therapy can also be beneficial. It can increase hip strength and flexibility, reduce inflammation and pain, restore mobility, strengthen the hip to provide better structural support, and correct the patient's posture to prevent future relapses. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial for restoring hip muscle strength, normalizing gait patterns, and improving posture to prevent trochanteric bursitis.
In persistent cases unresponsive to conservative treatments, keyhole surgery may be considered as a minimally invasive technique for removing the trochanteric bursa.
Studies indicate that trochanteric bursitis occurs in 3-17% of all patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty, a type of hip replacement surgery. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage the inflammation and reduce pain associated with trochanteric bursitis.
In conclusion, trochanteric bursitis is a common condition that can be caused by various factors. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help manage the symptoms and aid in a speedy recovery. It is essential to adhere to a rehabilitation programme, including prescribed stretches and activity modifications, and avoid overexertion to prevent the recurrence of the condition.
- In addition to activity modification and targeted exercises, doctors may administer corticosteroid injections to help manage chronic inflammation in cases of trochanteric bursitis.
- For those who suffer from chronic kidney disease or other chronic medical-conditions, it's crucial to be aware that these conditions may increase the risk of developing trochanteric bursitis.
- Physical therapy, as part of a health-and-wellness routine, can be beneficial in the prevention and management of trochanteric bursitis, as it increases flexibility, reduces inflammation, and strengthens muscles around the affected joint.
- Some research suggests that CBD oil, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, could potentially provide relief and accelerate recovery from trochanteric bursitis in conjunction with other treatments.
- When conservative treatments are unsuccessful, exploring medical-condition resources and discussing the potential benefits of keyhole surgeries with doctors may be a necessary step in the management of chronic trochanteric bursitis.
