This week, Dr. Keith Monchik completed an arthroscopic trochanteric bursectomy and iliotibial (IT) band release, an innovative surgical procedure to help alleviate a patient’s trochanteric bursitis.
Trochanteric bursitis is hip pain caused by inflammation of a small, fluid filled sac called a bursa. This bursa is located between the greater trochanter and the iliotibial (IT) band. Often, a tight IT band will increase the friction on the bursa, causing pain. Trochanteric bursitis can make the hip tender to touch, increase with activity, and make laying on the hip uncomfortable.
Treatment is typically conservative, starting with anti-inflammatories and physical therapy to help loosen or stretch out the IT band. Sometimes modalities such as ultrasound, dry-needling, moist heat, cryotherapy, and soft tissue mobilization will help. A corticosteroid (cortisone) injection is often used to help decrease pain and inflammation.
Patients who have pain despite prolonged conservative treatment may require surgery to excise the bursa and release the IT band. Traditionally, this has been performed through an open incision.
But with the newer, arthroscopic technique Dr. Monchik used, the bursa is removed through a quarter-inch incision over the hip. A small camera, or arthroscope, is placed in a second incision so the doctor can guide the surgical instruments. This less invasive approach results in a quicker, less painful recovery. Patients can return home an hour after surgery, and are allowed to bear weight immediately.
Read more about Dr. Monchik’s innovative orthopedic and sports medicine care here, and visit our Hip Specialty page to learn more about Ortho Rhode Island’s innovative hip care.
