Trochanteric reduction osteotomy as a treatment for refractory trochanteric bursitis

We describe a new operative procedure for patients with chronic trochanteric bursitis. Between March 1994 and May 2000, a trochanteric reduction osteotomy was performed on ten patients (12 hips). All had received conservative treatment for at least one year. Previous surgical treatment with a longitudinal release of the iliotibial band combined with excision of the trochanteric bursa had been performed on five hips. None had responded to these treatments. The mean follow-up was 23.5 months (6 to 77). The mean Merle d'Aubigne and Postel score improved from 15.8 (8 to 20) before to 27.5 (18 to 30) after operation, six patients showing very great improvement, five great improvement and one fair improvement. We conclude that trochanteric reduction osteotomy is a safe and effective procedure for patients with refractory trochanteric bursitis who do not respond to conservative treatment.