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Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)
Expert relief from GTPS hip pain
Resolving Painful Conditions
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a painful condition that affects the outside of the hip and thigh. GTPS occurs when the tissues that cover the outside of the hip bone — the greater tronchanter — become inflamed. Other terms for GTPS include lateral hip pain or tronchanteric bursitis.
GTPS specialists at New England Baptist Hospital (NEBH) have years of experience in effectively treating people with this hip condition.
Causes of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
There are several possible causes of this condition:
- Abnormal hip motion, such as due to:
- Labral tear
- Osteoarthritis
- Bone spurs
- Injury to the hip
- Overuse from repetitive motion activities, such as:
- Bicycling
- Running
- Stair climbing
- Standing for long periods of time
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Wear and tear
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome Diagnosis
Your hip specialist will perform a complete physical exam, including asking questions about your symptoms related to GTPS and your overall health history. For an accurate diagnosis, you may need imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI or ultrasound. For diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, we may recommend an image-guided or office-based injection as well.
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome Treatment
Many people with GTPS can find relief without surgery. Your doctor will likely suggest that you rest and avoid activities or motions that worsen your GTPS symptoms. In addition, your specialist may recommend physical therapy and/or injections to help reduce your pain.
If these treatment options aren’t enough to control your symptoms, your hip specialist may recommend surgery for GTPS. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the bursa (fluid-filled sacs that cushion bone). Removing the bursa should not compromise the hip joint itself. Your hip can function normally without bursa.
If you have a tear in the abductors, the gluteus medius and minimus, or if the pain comes from a snapping ilitiobial (IT) band, you may need surgery. Depending on your situation, your surgeon can complete these procedures using traditional open or minimally invasive endoscopic approaches.
Relief Starts Here
Find expert care for hip pain and joint replacement at New England Baptist Hospital.
Services & Specialties
Our hip specialists will coordinate your care with other specialty teams and providers throughout New England Baptist Hospital.
