As its name implies, the trochanteric bursa lies just superficial to the greater trochanter. In most instances, trochanteric bursitis is an exception to the rule that hip rotation only induces pain if there is an intracapsular lesion of the hip joint. In fact, internal rotation of the hip with the knee and hip flexed to 90 degrees almost always causes lateral hip pain in patients with this condition because the maneuver causes the overlying soft tissues to press on the inflamed bursa. A more specific screening technique for trochanteric bursitis is to assess for tenderness by applying firm pressure over the greater trochanter on the painful side. Screening for trochanteric bursitis.
Trochanteric bursitis is a common cause of lateral hip pain.
Firm palpation of the region of the greater trochanter elicits pain. If you have never felt a greater trochanter in a patient, you may become familiar with what they feel like by identifying your own greater trochanters in the following way. Wear, or imagine you are wearing, a pair of pants with side pockets. Standing up with your hands in your pockets, and your fingers outstretched, feel your lateral thigh with your finger tips. Withdraw your hands slowly from the pockets while continuing to feel your thighs as you do so.