Pertrochanteric Calcifications in Patients With Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: Description, Prevalence, and Correlation With Intraoperatively Diagnosed Hip Abductor Tendon Injuries

Pertrochanteric Calcifications in Patients With Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: Description, Prevalence, and Correlation With Intraoperatively Diagnosed Hip Abductor Tendon Injuries

Authors

Rosinsky PJ, Yelton MJ, Ankem HK, Meghpara MB, Maldonado DR, Shapira J, Yelton BR, Lall AC, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1177/03635465211008104

Background

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a condition that causes pain in the hip area, often associated with problems in the hip abductor tendons. Some patients with GTPS have calcifications near the hip joint, but how these calcifications relate to tendon injuries has not been fully explored.

Methods

The study reviewed patients with GTPS who underwent surgery to analyze the types and prevalence of calcifications found in X-rays and their relationship to tendon injuries observed during surgery.

Key Findings

The study found that calcifications were common in patients with GTPS, and certain types of calcifications (enthesophytes) were strongly associated with more severe tendon injuries, particularly full-thickness tears.

Conclusions

Pertrochanteric calcifications are common in GTPS and can provide valuable information for guiding treatment. Larger calcifications, especially directed enthesophytes, are linked to more severe tendon injuries.

What Does This Mean for Patients

If you have GTPS and calcifications on your X-ray, it may suggest more serious tendon issues that require careful management. It’s important to discuss with your doctor how these findings could influence your treatment options.