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Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

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HardSoft Tissue RheumatologyGreater Trochanteric Pain SyndromeSCE Rheumatology

A 40-year-old woman presents with pain at the lateral aspect of the hip exacerbated by lying on the affected side and climbing stairs. Examination reveals tenderness over the greater trochanter with pain on resisted hip abduction. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: D — Greater trochanteric pain syndrome with gluteal-tendon involvement

The best answer is “Greater trochanteric pain syndrome with gluteal-tendon involvement”. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) encompasses trochanteric bursitis gluteal tendinopathy and iliotibial band syndrome. It presents with lateral hip pain worse when lying on the affected side climbing stairs and prolonged standing. Tenderness over the greater trochanter is the key finding. Hip OA typically causes groin pain with restricted internal rotation. Treatment includes physiotherapy (gluteal strengthening) NSAIDs weight management and corticosteroid injection if refractory. Ultrasound-guided injection improves accuracy and efficacy. The competing options represent related diagnoses, tests or treatments, but they do not match the decisive phenotype, safety constraint or management point in this stem.

Reference: NICE CKS greater trochanteric pain syndrome: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/greater-trochanteric-pain-syndrome/