Author:
Croes J.,Dusar F.-R.,Bogaerts S.
Abstract
Patient-reported care for the greater trochanteric pain syndrome
The greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a condition that mostly affects middle-aged women. At the University Hospitals Leuven (Belgium), many patients consult a physician for this problem.
This retrospective cohort study evaluated the technical investigations and treatment options women with GTPS went through before presenting to a university hospital.
Despite the fact that GTPS is described as a clinical diagnosis, most patients already underwent technical investigations. In literature, an MRI of the pelvis is often considered the gold standard for the differential diagnosis, but only a minority already got one. The most performed technical investigation was a hip radiography, followed by an ultrasound of the hip. Less than half of the patient population reported they already had physiotherapy with an active exercise program. About 25% received a corticosteroid injection.
Both the proposed diagnostic examinations and treatment options for GTPS seem to differentiate among caregivers. This type of descriptive study makes them reflect critically about the care provided.