Gluteus Medius/Minimus Tear, Trochanteric Bursitis and Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Whether you are running, sitting or jumping, the hip bone and the muscles and tissue surrounding it are continuously working together to give people greater flexibility.
When people engage in strenuous activities that revolve around repetitive motions such as long-distance running, people increase their odds of sustaining an injury along the greater trochanter (the area on the side of the hip).
The key areas that surround the upper side of the hip include the trochanteric bursa, the gluteus medius muscle and the iliotibial band. The overuse of these important structures may cause them to become inflamed with the most common symptom being some degree of pain.
ITB release Specialist:
Ramin Tabaddor, MD
Here is a list of conditions that may result from overexerting your hip and available treatments:
Gluteus medius and minimus are two of the three gluteal muscles that make up the buttocks. These muscles work together to provide stability, and they are important for motion. Located near the side of the hip and resting underneath the gluteus maximus muscle, both muscles can become injured from overuse or a fall.
Gluteal tear symptoms may includepain, limping, and weakness of the muscles. A physician may perform an arthroscopy to repair the torn muscles or attach tendons back to the bone. An open gluteal surgery may be required if the tear is too large.
Trochanteric bursitis is a condition where the bursa, a shock absorbing sac located on the side of the hip, becomes inflamed. Patients describe pain associated with trochanteric bursitis as sharp and intense with symptoms worsening when they are lying down on the affected hip.
Treatment options include lifestyle changes, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen, or an injection of steroid (cortisone). In rare instances where pain does not improve, a physician may recommend a trochanteric bursectomy.
A trochanteric bursectomy is a procedure where the inflamedbursa is completely removed. The removal of the bursa does not inhibit the function of the hip, and most patients can make a recovery within two weeks.
Iliotibialband release (ITB release) is a procedure commonly performed to treat pain associated with ITB band syndrome. The syndrome results from inflammation or irritation to the iliotibial band, a strong band of tissue that runs alongside the thigh and knee. Athletes and people who are involved in activities that require repetitive knee flexion and extension are more likely to develop this condition. While there are non-surgical treatment options available, patients who have persistent pain after exhausting those options may find pain relief and increased mobility through an ITB release procedure.