Greater Trochanteric Bursa Steroid Injection

What is a Greater Trochanteric Bursa Steroid Injection?

The greater trochanteric bursa (GTB) is a small fluid-filled sac near the top of your thigh bone (hip bone). It cushions the hip joint and helps reduce friction when you move. Sometimes, this bursa becomes inflamed — a condition called trochanteric bursitis — causing pain on the outside of the hip.
A steroid injection into the bursa helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain. The injection usually contains a corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory medicine) and a local anesthetic (numbing medicine).

How do you prepare for a Greater Trochanteric Bursa Steroid Injection?

• Tell your doctor about your medical history and any medicines you take, especially blood thinners.
• Tell your doctor if you had any hip surgery 
• Discuss allergies to anesthetics or steroids.
• You can usually eat and drink normally before the procedure.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing so the hip area is easy to reach.
• Arrange for a ride home as you may be sore from the injection.

Why is a Greater Trochanteric Bursa Steroid Injection performed?

• To reduce pain and inflammation from trochanteric bursitis or hip tendon irritation.
• To make walking, climbing stairs, or lying on your side more comfortable.
• To help with conditions like arthritis, hip injury, or repetitive strain.
• To allow you to participate more fully in physical therapy or exercise programs for long-term recovery.

What can you expect during a Greater Trochanteric Bursa Steroid Injection?

• The procedure is done in a doctor’s office or ambulatory surgery center  and takes about 10–20 minutes.
• You’ll lie on your back, so the hip is exposed.
• The skin is cleaned, and sometimes numbing medicine is applied first.
• The doctor may ultrasound or X-ray guidance to make sure the needle goes into the correct spot.
• A mixture of steroid and anesthetic is injected into the bursa.
• You may feel mild pressure or stinging during the injection.
• You can usually go home right away.

What is the follow-up like for a Greater Trochanteric Bursa Steroid Injection?

• You may feel immediate relief from the numbing medicine, but this can wear off in a few hours.
• The steroid usually starts working in 5-10 days.
• Pain relief may last from several weeks to several months.
• Mild soreness at the injection site for 1–2 days is common — ice packs can help.
• Your doctor may recommend stretching, exercises, or physical therapy to prevent pain from coming back.
• Steroid injections are usually limited to 3–4 per year in the same area.

What are the potential risks for a Greater Trochanteric Bursa Steroid Injection?

Most side effects are mild and short-term, such as:

• Soreness, redness, or bruising at the injection site.
• A temporary flare of pain before it gets better.
• Elevated blood sugar (especially people with diabetes)

Less common risks include:

• Infection.
• Thinning of the skin or tissue near the injection site.
• Rare allergic reaction.
• Bleeding / hematoma 
• Nerve damage 

Are there related tests to a Greater Trochanteric Bursa Steroid Injection?

• X-rays or MRI scans may be done first to rule out hip arthritis, labral tears, or other conditions.
• An ultrasound may be used during the procedure to guide the injection.
• A physical exam is often enough to diagnose trochanteric bursitis and decide if the injection is appropriate.