Arthroscopic bursectomy for recalcitrant trochanteric bursitis.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the arthroscopic treatment of trochanteric bursitis in patients who have not responded to nonoperative treatment.


METHODS
Thirty patients were enrolled in this study to evaluate the results of arthroscopic bursectomy. Outcomes were assessed by use of a visual analog pain scale, Harris Hip Score, Short Form 36 Health Survey, and additional specific hip function questions. Patients were given the self-administered outcome questionnaires before surgery and at subsequent follow-up visits. Of the patients, 25 were available for a mean follow-up of 26.1 months (range, 13.8 to 41 months).


RESULTS
Pain scores on the visual analog scale improved from a preoperative mean of 7.2 (0, no pain; 10, worst pain) to a postoperative mean of 3.1 at final follow-up (P = .0001). Mean Harris Hip Scores improved from a mean of 51 preoperatively to 77 at follow-up (P = .0001). Improvements were also noted in the physical component summary scores of the Short Form 36. The mean physical function score improved from 33.6 preoperatively to 54 at follow-up (P = .022), and in the pain category, the mean score improved from 28.7 to 51.5 (P = .001). One postoperative complication occurred, a seroma that required repeat surgery. One patient had a failed arthroscopic bursectomy and subsequently underwent open bursectomy with resolution of symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Arthroscopic bursectomy appears to be an effective option for recalcitrant trochanteric bursitis and is a viable alternative to open bursectomy. In this prospective study patients had good pain relief and improved function compared with their preoperative status. Improvements in a patient's status are usually evident by 1 to 3 months after surgery and appear to be lasting.


METHODS
Level IV, therapeutic case series.
The Hughston Clinic, Columbus, Georgia 31909, USA. cbaker@hughston.com
Champ L
CL
Baker
R Vaughan
RV
Massie
W Grear
WG
Hurt
Carlton G
CG
Savory
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D002062:Bursitis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012086:Reoperation; D019233:Retreatment; D049291:Seroma / Q000209:etiology; D017211:Treatment Failure; D016896:Treatment Outcome