Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Trochanter Bursitis

The hip joint is the largest weight-bearing joint in the human body. It is also referred to as a ball and socket joint and is surrounded by muscles, ligaments and tendons. The thigh bone or femur and the pelvis join to form the hip joint.

The hip joint is made up of the following:

• Bones and joints
• Ligaments of the joint capsule
• Muscles and tendons
• Nerves and blood vessels that supply the bones and muscles of the hip

Indeed, any injury or disease of the hip will adversely affect the joint’s range of motion and ability to bear weight. For example: 

* Trochanteric bursitis: is inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sac near a joint) at the part of the hip called the greater trochanter. When this bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, it causes pain in the hip. And it is more common in women and in middle-aged or elderly people.

Ultrasonography eliminates the need for radiation exposure and is now the modality of choice for hip joint aspiration, an intervention that may aid in directing antimicrobial treatment and avoiding the need for surgical intervention. In addition, using an ultrasound scanner helps to gain access to the hip for diagnostic or surgical injection.

Which Ultrasound Scanner is the best for the evaluation of Trochanter bursitis?

Using a high-frequency Linear Transducer with 7.5 to 10MHz is the best for Trochanter Bursitis assessment. In which, it is not only useful for guiding injection into bursa but also can facilitate precise injection into the greater trochanteric bursa.

For instance, our Orthopedists clients tend to use the Linear Wireless Ultrasound Scanner SIFULTRAS-5.34 – Color Doppler. That is a small, mobile scanner packed with high-end technology. 

SIFULTRAS-5.34 provides real-time guided imaging that helps especially during the injection of Corticosteroid; injections given by your healthcare provider. Injections work quickly to decrease inflammation and pain. Ultrasound-guided injections do not carry the risks of contrast injection.

To sum up, Trochanteric bursitis is a relatively common condition affecting physically active patients and usually presenting with pain to the lateral aspect of the hip, particularly on walking. Thus, using an ultrasound scanner reduces the need for radiation therapy and help to conduct antimicrobial care and to prevent the need for surgery.

References: Trochanteric bursitis, Ultrasound-guided injection, The hip joint,