Greater trochanteric bursa injection: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Posted on February 27, 2026 | by drhip

Greater trochanteric bursa injection Introduction (What it is)

Greater trochanteric bursa injection is an injection placed near the outside of the hip at the greater trochanter.
It is commonly used to help evaluate and relieve pain related to greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
The injection typically delivers medication into the bursa or surrounding peritrochanteric tissues.
It is used in orthopedics, sports medicine, and physical therapy–adjacent hip care.

Why Greater trochanteric bursa injection used (Purpose / benefits)

Pain on the outside of the hip is often grouped under greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), which can include irritation of a bursa (bursitis), irritation or tearing of the gluteal tendons (gluteus medius/minimus tendinopathy or tear), and friction or compression from the iliotibial band region.

Greater trochanteric bursa injection is used for two broad purposes:

Symptom relief (therapeutic use): The injection may reduce inflammation and pain in the peritrochanteric region. This can make daily activities (walking, stairs, side-lying) more tolerable and may help a patient participate more comfortably in rehabilitation.
Diagnostic clarification (diagnostic use): When a local anesthetic is included, short-term pain reduction can help clinicians confirm that pain is coming from the lateral hip soft tissues rather than the hip joint, lumbar spine, or another source.

Potential benefits, described in general clinical terms, include:

Localized treatment: Medication is delivered to the symptomatic region rather than affecting the whole body as oral medications might.
Time-limited window of reduced pain: When successful, this can support assessment and functional progression (for example, during an exam or during a course of therapy).
Targeted differential diagnosis: Response patterns may help distinguish GTPS from other causes of hip-area pain, such as hip osteoarthritis, femoroacetabular impingement, lumbar radiculopathy, or sacroiliac region pain.

Outcomes vary by clinician and case, including the underlying diagnosis (bursal irritation vs tendon disease), the technique used, and patient-specific factors.

Indications (When orthopedic clinicians use it)

Typical scenarios where clinicians may consider Greater trochanteric bursa injection include:

Lateral hip pain consistent with greater trochanteric pain syndrome
Suspected trochanteric bursitis or peritrochanteric inflammation
Gluteal tendon–related pain where a targeted injection is being used to support diagnosis or symptom control
Pain that worsens with side-lying on the affected hip, prolonged standing, stairs, or walking
Focal tenderness near the greater trochanter on exam
Persistent symptoms despite an initial period of conservative care (varies by clinician and case)
Need to clarify whether pain is coming from the hip joint versus the lateral soft tissues
Postoperative or post-injury lateral hip pain in which peritrochanteric inflammation is suspected (only when appropriate to the surgical timeline and exam)

Contraindications / when it’s NOT ideal

Situations where Greater trochanteric bursa injection may be avoided or deferred, or where another approach may be preferred, can include:

Suspected or confirmed infection at the skin site or deeper tissues
Systemic infection or unexplained fever (timing and approach vary by clinician and case)
Allergy or sensitivity to a planned medication (for example, local anesthetic or corticosteroid)
Uncontrolled bleeding risk or anticoagulation concerns (management varies by clinician and case)
Poor skin integrity over the injection area (wounds, significant dermatitis)
Unclear diagnosis where additional examination or imaging is needed before injection
Concern for significant gluteal tendon tear where treatment planning may prioritize imaging and tendon-focused management rather than bursal injection alone
Situations where repeated corticosteroid exposure is undesirable (risk–benefit decisions vary by clinician and case)

“Not ideal” does not necessarily mean “never.” It usually means the clinician weighs alternatives, timing, technique, and medication choice based on the overall clinical picture.

How it works (Mechanism / physiology)

Greater trochanteric bursa injection works through a combination of anatomy-targeted delivery and medication effects.

Relevant hip anatomy (simplified)

The greater trochanter is the bony prominence on the outside of the upper femur (thigh bone).
Several pain-sensitive structures lie around it:
Bursae (small fluid-containing sacs that reduce friction between tissues)
Gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tendons (important hip abductors that stabilize the pelvis during walking)
The iliotibial band region and surrounding fascia
The term “trochanteric bursa” is often used clinically, but there can be more than one bursa in this region, and pain may involve tissues beyond a single bursal sac.

Medication effects (high level)

In many clinical settings, the injected solution may include:

A local anesthetic, which can temporarily reduce pain by blocking nerve signal transmission in the area.
A corticosteroid, which can reduce inflammatory signaling and local tissue irritation in some conditions.

Not every injection includes both components; the choice depends on clinician preference, diagnostic goals, and patient factors.

Onset and duration (general patterns)

Local anesthetic effects tend to occur soon after injection and are typically temporary.
Corticosteroid effects may take longer to be noticed and may last longer, but duration is variable and depends on the underlying pain generator and individual response.
The injection is not “permanent” or “irreversible.” It is generally considered a time-limited intervention that may be repeated in selected cases, depending on risk–benefit considerations.

Greater trochanteric bursa injection Procedure overview (How it’s applied)

Greater trochanteric bursa injection is a clinical procedure performed in an outpatient setting. Workflows vary, but a common high-level sequence includes:

Evaluation / exam – Review of symptoms (location, triggers like stairs or side-lying, gait changes). – Physical exam focusing on lateral hip tenderness, hip strength, and signs suggesting alternate sources (lumbar spine, hip joint). – Sometimes imaging is reviewed or ordered (for example, ultrasound or MRI) depending on the case.
Preparation – Discussion of the goal (diagnostic, therapeutic, or both) and expected limitations (results vary). – Review of medication allergies, current medications, and relevant medical history. – Skin preparation with antiseptic; positioning to allow access to the lateral hip.
Intervention / needle placement – The injection may be performed using:
- Landmark technique (based on surface anatomy), or
- Ultrasound guidance (to visualize soft tissues and needle placement).
- Medication is then injected into the targeted peritrochanteric region.
Immediate checks – Brief observation for immediate reactions. – Short-term reassessment of symptoms may be performed when a local anesthetic is used for diagnostic purposes.
Follow-up – Follow-up planning often includes reassessing function and symptoms and integrating the response into a broader care plan (for example, rehabilitation focused on hip abductor strength and movement mechanics). – Recommendations about activity and rehabilitation timing vary by clinician and case.

This overview intentionally omits step-by-step technique details that are clinician-dependent and not appropriate for self-application.

Types / variations

Greater trochanteric bursa injection can vary based on intent, technique, and injectate.

By clinical intent

Diagnostic injection: Often emphasizes local anesthetic response to help localize the pain source.
Therapeutic injection: Often includes an anti-inflammatory medication (commonly a corticosteroid) aimed at symptom reduction.
Combined diagnostic–therapeutic: Frequently uses both anesthetic and corticosteroid.

By guidance method

Ultrasound-guided injection: Uses real-time imaging to visualize tendons, bursa region, and needle position. This may be preferred in complex anatomy, larger body habitus, prior surgery, or when tendon pathology is suspected, but practice patterns vary.
Landmark-guided injection: Uses palpation and surface landmarks. It is commonly performed in many settings and may be appropriate depending on clinician training and patient factors.

By injectate class (examples)

Local anesthetics: Used for short-term pain control and diagnostic insight.
Corticosteroids: Used to reduce inflammatory pain in some conditions; selection and dose vary by clinician and case.
Other injectates: Some clinicians use alternatives (for example, biologic-based injectates) in selected contexts; evidence, availability, and indications vary by clinician and case.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Can provide targeted, localized symptom relief for lateral hip pain in appropriate cases
May help confirm the pain generator when diagnostic anesthetic is used
Usually performed outpatient without the infrastructure of an operating room
Can be paired with rehabilitation to support return to function (timing and plan vary)
Ultrasound-guided options may improve anatomic targeting in some situations
May reduce reliance on systemic medications for some patients (overall plan varies)

Cons:

Relief is not guaranteed, especially when pain is primarily tendon-related rather than bursal inflammation
Effects may be temporary, and duration varies widely
Potential for side effects from medications (for example, steroid-related or anesthetic-related), with risk depending on dose, patient health, and medication choice
Risk of post-injection flare, bruising, or transient increase in pain (occurrence varies)
Small procedural risks such as bleeding, skin changes, or infection are considered in clinical consent
May mask symptoms briefly, which can complicate activity pacing if not integrated into a broader plan (management varies)

Aftercare & longevity

Aftercare and longevity of benefit depend on multiple factors, and there is no single “standard” course.

Key factors that can influence outcomes include:

Underlying diagnosis
A primarily inflammatory bursal irritation may respond differently than gluteal tendinopathy or a partial/full tendon tear.
Biomechanics and load
Walking volume, stair use, running, occupational demands, and side-lying pressure can influence symptoms over time.
Rehabilitation participation
Many care plans emphasize progressive strengthening and movement retraining, particularly for hip abductors and pelvic control. Specific protocols vary by clinician and case.
Comorbidities
Metabolic conditions, inflammatory disease, and general health factors can influence pain sensitivity and tissue recovery.
Technique and targeting
Ultrasound guidance versus landmark technique, and whether the primary pain generator is accurately targeted, may affect results.
Medication selection
The medication class and dose (and whether anesthetic, corticosteroid, or another agent is used) can affect both short- and longer-term response.

Clinicians commonly reassess response over time and use that information to refine diagnosis and next steps. Longevity of relief, when it occurs, is variable and should be interpreted in the context of function (walking tolerance, sleep comfort, and activity triggers), not pain alone.

Alternatives / comparisons

Greater trochanteric bursa injection is one option within a broader set of strategies for lateral hip pain. Common alternatives and comparisons include:

Observation and activity modification (non-procedural)
Some cases improve with time and load management. This approach avoids procedural risks but may be slower to provide relief, and progress depends on the underlying cause.
Physical therapy and exercise-based rehabilitation
Often focuses on hip abductor strengthening, pelvic stability, gait mechanics, and gradual return to activity. Compared with injection, rehabilitation may address contributing movement patterns, but symptom relief may be more gradual.
Oral or topical medications
Anti-inflammatory medications or analgesics are sometimes used as part of conservative care. Compared with injection, these are less targeted but do not require a procedure; systemic side effects and contraindications may limit use for some people.
Imaging and diagnostic workup
Ultrasound can evaluate bursae and tendons dynamically and guide injection.
MRI can evaluate tendon integrity, muscle changes, and other hip or pelvic pathology.
Imaging is not always required before injection, but it may be prioritized when symptoms are atypical or when tendon tear is suspected.
Other non-surgical interventions
Some clinicians use modalities such as shockwave therapy for tendinopathy-focused cases; appropriateness and evidence vary by clinician and case.
Surgical options (selected cases)
If significant gluteal tendon tearing or persistent, function-limiting symptoms remain despite comprehensive nonoperative care, surgery may be discussed. Examples include gluteal tendon repair or procedures addressing peritrochanteric friction. Surgical decisions depend on imaging, exam, and patient goals, and are not routine for most lateral hip pain.

A balanced comparison is that injection can be a useful diagnostic and symptom-management tool, while rehabilitation and load management often address longer-term functional drivers. The best sequence and combination vary by clinician and case.

Greater trochanteric bursa injection Common questions (FAQ)

Q: What condition is a Greater trochanteric bursa injection used for?
It is most commonly used for lateral hip pain associated with greater trochanteric pain syndrome, which may involve bursae and/or nearby tendons. Clinicians may use it to reduce pain and inflammation or to help confirm that the pain originates from the peritrochanteric region. Exact use depends on the working diagnosis.

Q: Is the injection into the hip joint?
Usually, no. The target is typically the bursa or soft tissues near the greater trochanter on the outside of the hip, not the hip joint space itself. Clinicians may choose a different injection approach if hip joint pathology is suspected.

Q: Does Greater trochanteric bursa injection hurt?
Discomfort varies by person, technique, and whether the area is already very tender. Many injections include a local anesthetic to reduce pain during and shortly after the procedure. Some people report temporary soreness afterward.

Q: How quickly does it work, and how long can it last?
If a local anesthetic is used, some change in pain may be noticed shortly after the injection, but this is typically temporary. If a corticosteroid is used, symptom changes may take longer, and the duration of benefit can vary widely. Response is influenced by the true pain source (bursa vs tendon vs other) and individual factors.

Q: Is Greater trochanteric bursa injection safe?
It is generally considered a common outpatient procedure, but no procedure is risk-free. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, temporary pain flare, medication reaction, and steroid-related effects. Individual risk depends on health history and the medications used.

Q: Will it cure my hip pain permanently?
It is usually not described as a permanent cure. When it helps, it may reduce symptoms and support a broader plan that can include rehabilitation and addressing contributing factors. Some cases recur or require additional evaluation if pain persists.

Q: Can I drive or go back to work afterward?
Return to driving or work depends on pain level, the type of work, and whether the injection affects comfort and reaction time. Some clinicians advise avoiding certain activities for a short period, but recommendations vary by clinician and case. Safety-sensitive jobs may require additional caution.

Q: How many injections can someone get?
The number and timing of injections, especially when corticosteroids are used, are individualized. Clinicians often consider symptom pattern, response to prior injections, comorbidities, and concerns about repeated steroid exposure. If repeated injections are being considered, clinicians may reassess the diagnosis and treatment strategy.

Q: What does it mean if the injection doesn’t help?
Lack of response can suggest that the primary pain generator is not the targeted bursa region, or that tendon pathology or another source (hip joint, lumbar spine, pelvis) is contributing. It can also reflect technique and targeting factors. Clinicians typically use the response to guide next diagnostic steps.

Q: What is the cost of a Greater trochanteric bursa injection?
Cost varies by setting (clinic vs hospital-based), guidance method (ultrasound-guided vs landmark), region, and insurance coverage. Additional costs may include the office visit, imaging, and medication charges. Billing practices vary by system and payer.