Gluteal fascial transposition for trochanteric bursitis

We report a new surgical technique for refractory trochanteric bursitis, performed in 43 patients between May 1988 and December 2003. Fourteen patients had developed trochanteric bursitis after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), six after revision THA, 17 for no definable reason (idiopathic) and seven after trauma. Follow-up ranged from six months to 15 years (mean five years). Outcome was measured by the patient’s symptoms at interview and whether the patient would have had the procedure again. Outcome depended on aetiology: 100% of traumatic, 88% of idiopathic and 64% after primary THA were successful. All operations after revision THA were unsuccessful. Transposition of the gluteal fascia is indicated in patients with idiopathic, traumatic and post primary THA trochanteric bursitis, but not after revision THA.