An audit of trochanteric bursitis in total hip arthroplasty and recommendations for treatment

Abstract

This article describes trochanteric bursitis, which is a painful and disabling condition affecting the hip joint. The incidence of trochanteric bursitis pre- and post-operatively in total hip replacement patients is poorly reported. The article investigates the incidence of trochanteric bursitis in 250 total hip replacement patients. The nurse-led audit found only 1.2% of patients had trochanteric bursitis pre-, intra- and post-operatively. While 80% were noted to have no evidence of trochanteric bursitis at any stage. The reported treatment available is detailed along with the nurse-led education programme developed from this study.