What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Bursitis of the Hip
• Ischial Bursitis
• Trochanteric Bursitis

What is Hip Bursitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• A bursa is characterized as a fluid–filled sac that acts as a cushion, to help the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, glide easily over the bones
• Hip Bursitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the bursa within the hip
• Since, bursae are located throughout the body; a bursitis not only affects the hip, but other locations too. Other areas of the body that may develop this inflammatory condition include the shoulder, elbow, knee, and heel
• Treatment measures for Hip Bursitis include both nonsurgical and surgical methods. The prognosis for the condition is generally good with proper treatment

Hip Bursitis usually occurs in 2 different regions of the hip and these include:

• Trochanteric Bursitis: Trochanteric bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, located on the outside of the hip
• Ischial Bursitis: Ischial bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, located on the inside of the hip

Who gets Hip Bursitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Hip Bursitis may occur in individuals of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and gender
• Although, a high percentage of individuals, who develop the condition are middle-aged to elderly women. Overall, women have the highest rate of occurrence

What are the Risk Factors for Hip Bursitis? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors associated with Hip Bursitis include:

• Repetitive stress on the hip associated with athletics (such as running or cycling), or certain occupations and hobbies (such as farming, landscaping, or gardening), can increase the risk of developing Hip Bursitis
• Falls that injure the hip
• Difference in the length of both legs (called leg differential), caused by certain disorders
• Chronic inflammatory disorder (like rheumatoid arthritis)
• A spinal condition characterized by the abnormal curvature of the spine (termed scoliosis)
• Arthritis affecting the lumbar region (lower region) of the spine
• Prosthetic implants within the hip causing irritation of the bursa
• Bone spurs or calcium deposits, which develop within the tendons, may cause irritation to the bursa
• Diabetes type I: High blood glucose levels that result from an insulin secretion deficiency

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Hip Bursitis? (Etiology)

The causes of Hip Bursitis include:

• Repetitive stress on the hip, due to certain sports or occupation-related stress
• Persistent pressures on the hip caused by standing or sitting on hard surfaces, for prolonged period of time
• Bacterial infection
• Chronic inflammatory disorder (like rheumatoid arthritis)
• Scoliosis: A spinal condition characterized by the abnormal curvature of the spine
• A medical condition caused by a high level of uric acid in blood (gout)
• Any previous surgery, undergone to replace the hip joint

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hip Bursitis?

Signs and symptoms of Hip Bursitis include:

• Noticeable hip pain
• Stiffness within the hip
• Decreased range of hip movement

How is Hip Bursitis Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose Hip Bursitis include:

• Physical examination: A physician will perform a thorough physical examination to determine, if the individual has Hip Bursitis. In addition to this, a complete medical history can aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
• X-ray of the hip joint: This imaging tool is not helpful in determining a diagnosis of bursitis. However, it may aid in ruling out, other possible causes for discomfort, such as the growth of bone spurs, etc.
• Blood test: A blood test is a routine test used to diagnose various disease and conditions. The blood sample drawn is taken to a laboratory for analysis, to test for any signs of any infection. It is also helpful in evaluating the cause of bursitis, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Joint fluid culture: A needle is used to drain fluid from within the bursa. The fluid sample is then taken to a laboratory for analysis. Removal of the bursa fluid may also help relieve the symptoms
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the affected joint: An MRI is a more detailed scan that uses radio waves and a magnetic field to produce images that allow a physician diagnose the severity of Hip Bursitis
• Ultrasound imaging of hip joint: In this mode, high-frequency sound waves are used to generate a more detailed image of the hip

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Hip Bursitis?

Complications of Hip Bursitis include:

• Chronic pain in the hip
• Difficulty walking

How is Hip Bursitis Treated?

A majority of the individuals, who develop non-infected Hip Bursitis, seldom require a surgery; in others, surgery may be necessary.

Nonsurgical treatment measures include:

• Any activity that aggravates the hip condition should be avoided. The physician may advise the individual to refrain from participating in any physical activity, till the pain or symptoms get better
• Applying ice or a damp heated towel, to the hip region can help reduce pain and swelling
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as Ibuprofen and naproxen, can help reduce the pain and swelling, in the hip

Surgical treatment measures include:

• Incision and drainage of the infected hip bursa: Incision and drainage is a non-invasive surgical procedure that involves the drainage of fluid, which has build-up in the infected bursa. This surgical procedure is performed under a general anesthetic
• Arthroscopic bursectomy: It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, used to remove the infected bursa, using an orthopedic device and a tiny camera, called an arthroscope. This instrument is inserted through a tiny incision around the hip and the infected bursa is removed

How can Hip Bursitis be Prevented?

To prevent Hip Bursitis, individuals should be careful and consciously aware while performing any physical activities, such as sports, or even some normal daily activities that could lead to situations involving accidents. Children must be provided a safe environment to work, study, or play. Any possible dangers should also be anticipated and appropriate safety measures adopted.

A few ways to further help prevent unwanted injuries or Hip Bursitis include:

• Avoid any sports or activities that put too much repetitive stress on the hip
• Maintain an active lifestyle to avoid weight gain
• Maintain flexibility and strength of the hips by performing certain basic exercises
• Wear proper shoe inserts, to compensate for any difference in leg length
• Undertaking a proper treatment of type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, will help prevent Hip Bursitis in such individuals

What is the Prognosis of Hip Bursitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The long-term prognosis of Hip Bursitis is usually good, in a majority of the individuals
• A high percentage of individuals with an infected bursa sac, regain their full strength and range of motion of the hip, within a few weeks of surgery

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Hip Bursitis:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/orthopedc-disorders/