Iliotibial-Band and Gluteus Medius Percutaneous Ultrasound Tenotomy for Refractory Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Longitudinal Observational Study with One-Year Durability Results.

BACKGROUND: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of lateral hip pain that affects patients' quality of life and functioning. The condition is often associated with tightness of the iliotibial band (ITB) and tendinopathy of the gluteus medius (GMed) tendon, which are subjected to excessive stress and inflammation. A traditional treatment for GTPS is conservative medical management (CMM), which includes but is not limited to physiotherapy, oral anti-inflammatory medication, and/or local steroid injections. Surgery is performed when these treatments fail. The failure of these techniques indicates that some treatments classified as CMM may not be feasible for some patients. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined GMed and ITB injections for a cohort of CMM-refractory GTPS patients. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review. SETTING: Single-center, academic hospital. METHODS: Between 01/01/2022 and 12/31/2022, a retrospective analysis of 68 hips that underwent combination GMed-ITB percutaneous ultrasound tenotomy (PUT) was performed. The primary outcome measure was a numeric rating scale (NRS) for hip pain, and the secondary outcome measures were VISA-G (Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Gluteal Tendinopathy) scores, sitting-to-standing and walking tolerance, and side-lying tolerance. RESULTS: The patients' NRS scores decreased, and the VISA-G scores and all functional measures increased one year after the procedure, indicating significant improvement in pain and functioning (P < 0.001). Treatment success, defined as 50% reduction in pain and side-lying tolerance, was achieved by 83% of the patients. No major complications were reported. LIMITATIONS: The lack of a comparable cohort reduces the data's interpretative significance. Having a control arm would have enabled a statistical comparison between treated and untreated patients to provide a valid assessment of the procedure's benefit. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of combined GMed-ITB PUT as a novel treatment for GTPS in patients who failed CMM. The results showed significant and durable improvement in pain, function, and quality of life at the one-year follow-up. Our study suggests that both ITB and GMed tendons are involved in the pathogenesis of GTPS. The present study compared favorably with previous studies that reported outcomes of either ITB PUT or GMed PUT alone, implying that combining the approaches may offer superior benefits. Furthermore, the study had several strengths, such as the use of a validated outcome measure (VISA-G), the elimination of bias by independent practitioners, and the inclusion of a difficult population with severe pain.

[Modified gluteus maximus transfer for hip abductor deficiency]. / Modifizierter Gluteus-maximus-Transfer zur Therapie der glutealen Insuffizienz.

OBJECTIVE: Transfer of the gluteus maximus with refixation at the greater trochanter for treatment of abductor deficiency. INDICATIONS: Symptomatic abductor deficiency with atrophy and fatty degeneration of the gluteal muscles > 50% (grade 3 by quartile) with good strength of the gluteus maximus. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Low atrophy or fatty degeneration of less than 50% of the gluteal muscles, limited strength of the gluteus maximus, infection. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: First, the fascia lata is incised dorsally to the tensor fascia latae muscle, with the incision extending approximately 1.5 cm proximal to the iliac crest. A second incision divides the gluteus maximus muscle longitudinally along the muscle fibers and continues towards the fascia lata distal to the greater trochanter. These incisions result in a triangular muscle flap, which is elevated and divided into anterior and posterior portions. The posterior flap is positioned ventrally over the femoral neck and fixed to the anterior capsule and the anterior edge of the greater trochanter. The anterior flap is placed directly on the proximal femur. For this purpose, a groove is prepared in the area of the proximal femur using a spherical burr to freshen up the future footprint. The anterior flap is positioned from the tip of the greater trochanter towards the insertion of the vastus lateralis muscle. Subsequently, the anterior flap is fixed to the created groove with transosseous sutures and positioned under the elevated vastus lateralis muscle in 15° abduction of the leg. To provide additional stabilization to the tendinous part of the anterior flap, a screw is inserted distally to the greater trochanter. The vastus lateralis muscle is attached to the distal tip of the anterior flap, and the remaining gluteus maximus muscle is sutured to the fascia lata to cover the anterior flap. Additionally, a flap of the tensor fascia latae muscle can be mobilized and adapted to the reconstruction. Layered wound closure is performed. RESULTS: The technique of a gluteus maximus transfer represents a method for the treatment of chronic abductor deficiencies and improves abduction function as well as the gait pattern in short-term follow-ups. Fifteen patients (mean age at time of surgery 62 years) had after a mean follow-up of 2.5 years. The modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) improved from 48 points preoperatively to 60 points at follow-up. Preoperatively, 100% had a positive Trendelenburg sign; at follow-up, this was about 50%.

Ultrasound-Guided Blockade of the Lateral Cutaneous Branch of the Iliohypogastric Nerve to Differentiate Neuropathy From Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: Cadaver Study and Initial Case Series.

OBJECTIVE: Neuropathy of the lateral cutaneous branch of the iliohypogastric nerve (LCBIN) may represent a differential diagnosis for greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). Ultrasound-guided neural blockade of the LCBIN may lead to diagnosis of this neuropathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound-guided nerve block in cadavers and to present a first clinical case series of patients with neuropathy of the LCBIN where the workup for GTPS remained unremarkable. Ultrasound-guided nerve block led to pain relief in these patients, indicating LCBIN neuropathy. METHODS: First, ultrasound-guided injections at the LCBIN were performed bilaterally in 24 fresh, non-frozen, non-embalmed body donors. Accuracy and nerve localization were validated by anatomic dissection. Second, a clinical case series of nine patients with suspected GTPS who underwent ultrasound-guided diagnostic LCBIN blockade was retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Ultrasound-guided injections at the LCBIN yielded 91.7% accuracy (95% confidence interval: 0.80-0.98). On the right side the nerve was found within a range of 3-14 cm from the anterior superior iliac spine, and within a range of 7-15 cm on the left side. This clinical case series indicates that ultrasound-guided blockade at the LCBIN provides temporary pain relief and indicates the presence of LCBIN neuropathy. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound has demonstrated high accuracy for localization and injection guidance in the examination of LCBIN. Ultrasound-guided injection of local anesthetics may help to identify LCBIN neuropathy as a differential diagnosis in patients with suspected GTPS.

Preoperative instillation of epinephrine and lidocaine can reduce surgical time in the endoscopic treatment of GTPS. / La instilación preoperatoria de epinefrina y lidocaína puede reducir el tiempo quirúrgico del tratamiento endoscópico del SDTM.

INTRODUCTION: Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a multifactorial clinical condition affecting the lateral area of the hip. Although conservative treatment shows good results, some patients may still require surgical bursectomy, which can be performed either openly or endoscopically. One of the main technical difficulties of the endoscopic procedure is intraoperative bleeding, which can hinder the medical team's vision and increase the operation time for endoscopic treatment of GTPS. HYPOTHESIS: An instillation of vasoconstrictors and local anesthetics before endoscopy will cause less intraoperative bleeding, which will translate into shorter surgical time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort was retrospectively divided based on the use or absence of a preoperative instillation of physiological saline solution with epinephrine and lidocaine. Surgical time was measured in each procedure and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-nine hips from 139 patients were included in the analysis. One hundred two patients were included in the instillation group versus 37 in the control group. The surgical time was significantly shorter in the instillation group than in the control group, with an average (standard deviation) of 52.01 (14.71) and 72.30 (11.70) minutes, respectively (P<.001). CONCLUSION: The instillation of a physiological saline solution with epinephrine and lidocaine prior to the surgical treatment of GTPS is effective in reducing surgical times, likely due to a reduction in intraoperative bleeding. Future research should focus on more direct outcomes such as intraoperative blood loss and between different instillation protocols.

Endoscopic management of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS): a comprehensive systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) presents challenges in clinical management due to its chronic nature and uncertain etiology. Historically attributed to greater trochanteric bursitis, current understanding implicates abductor tendinopathy as the primary cause. Diagnosis usually involves a clinical examination and additional tests such as imaging and provocative testing. Surgical intervention may be considered for cases refractory to conservative therapy, with endoscopic techniques gaining ground over open procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted adhering to the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies were searched in four databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and Medline. The selected articles were evaluated according to the criteria of levels of evidence (LoE). The Coleman methodology score (mCMS) was used to analyze the retrospective studies. This systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews. RESULTS: Surgical success rates ranged from 70.6-100%, significantly improving pain and function. Complications were generally mild, mainly hematomas and seromas, while recurrence rates were low. However, limitations such as the retrospective design and the absence of control groups warrant cautious interpretation of the results. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic surgery emerges as a promising option for refractory GTPS, offering effective symptom relief and functional improvement. Despite limitations, these results suggest a favorable risk-benefit profile for endoscopic procedures. Further research is needed, particularly prospective randomized trials, to confirm these findings and optimize surgical techniques to improve patient outcomes.

Ultrasound-Guided Subfascial Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections Versus Enthesis Needling for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is characterized by gluteal enthesopathy involving the peritrochanteric space and associated with chronic pain and functional impairment. A corticosteroid injection in the trochanteric bursa is the usual palliative treatment for pain. However, it is important to investigate treatment options that will relieve pain in the peritrochanteric space. Purpose: To compare the clinical efficacy of subfascial platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection and enthesis needling for GTPS. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 92 patients (90% women; mean age, 55 years old; mean body mass index, 25.3 kg/m2) were randomly divided into a subfascial PRP injection group and an enthesis needling group. Descriptive data and radiographic measurements of the pelvis-including leg-length difference, pelvic width difference, and pelvic trochanteric index-were recorded. The primary outcome measures were the Hip Outcome Score (HOS) activities of daily living (HOS-ADL) and sports-specific (HOS-SS) subscales and the visual analog scale for pain at 3, 6, and 12 months posttreatment. In addition, we evaluated the presence or absence of ultrasound characteristics (fascia nodules, trochanteric bursa distension, and calcium deposits) over time in response to treatment. Results: Baseline demographic and radiological characteristics were similar between the groups. The PRP group saw significantly greater improvement from baseline to 12 months posttreatment on the HOS-SS subscore compared with the needling group (32.09 [95% CI, 28.99-40.20] vs 20.52 [95% CI, 11.99-29.05]; P = .048). At 3 months, 60% of patients in the PRP group versus 33.3% in the needling group had a reduction in pain compared with a baseline of >20% (P = .040). After subfascial PRP injection, fewer patients had a fascia nodule over the trochanter and/or bursa distension (P = .006 and P = .004, respectively). The pelvic trochanteric index was predictive of HOS-ADL and HOS-SS outcomes (P = .011 and P = .022, respectively). The interaction between treatment modality and fascia nodule influenced HOS-ADL and HOS-SS outcomes (P = .021 and P = .023) as well as the interactions of treatment modality, fascia nodules, and calcifications (P = .027). Conclusion: Both subfascial PRP injection and enthesis needling resulted in clinical improvements, but the improvement in the HOS-SS was greater in the PRP group. Registration: NCT04231357 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Is shockwave therapy effective in the management of greater trochanteric pain syndrome? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Evidence is lacking for the efficacy of shockwave therapy (SWT) in the treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). AIM: To investigate the efficacy of SWT on pain and function in the management of GTPS. METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases and grey literature was conducted up to May 2023. Studies utilising SWT on adults for GTPS, providing measures of pain and/or function at baseline and at follow-up were considered for inclusion. Meta-analysis was undertaken using converted pain and functional outcomes. Studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias, and assigned a level of evidence as per the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations criteria. RESULTS: Twelve articles (n = 1121 subjects) were included, including five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and seven non-RCTs. No statistical differences were observed for pain over time f(1,5) = 1.349 (p = 0.298) or between SWT and control f(1,5) = 1.782 (p = 0.238). No significant differences in functional outcomes in short- (H = 2.591, p = 0.181) and medium-term follow-up (H = 0.189, p = 0.664) were identified between SWT and control. Moderate magnitude treatment effects for pain (Hedges-G [HG] 0.71) favouring SWT groups over control was identified, decreasing to low for function (HG 0.20). Further pain and functional treatment effects were identified at higher magnitudes across follow-up time-points in SWT groups compared to control. CONCLUSION: Moderate-quality evidence demonstrated no statistically significant improvements in pain and function post-SWT compared to control. Low-quality evidence established clinical improvements throughout all included studies favouring SWT over control. Consequently, owing to relatively low incidence of side effects, SWT should be considered a viable option for the management of GTPS. Issues with both clinical and statistical heterogeneity of studies and during meta-analysis require consideration, and more robust RCTs are recommended if the efficacy of SWT for the management of GTPS is to be comprehensively determined.

Surgical Treatment and Outcomes for Gluteal Tendon Tears.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Gluteus medius and minimus tears, or hip abductor tendon tears, are increasingly identified as a source of lateral hip pain. Once underappreciated and undertreated, they are now recognized as a cause of greater trochanteric pain syndrome and a pathology amenable to both nonoperative and operative modalities. This review summarizes relevant anatomy, clinical presentation, and treatment options for gluteus medius tears, focusing on surgical options. RECENT FINDINGS: When surgical intervention is indicated, repair, reconstruction, or tendon transfer may be considered. Open and endoscopic repair techniques demonstrate similar outcomes with improvements in patient-reported outcomes and low complication and retear rates for both partial and full thickness tears. Variations in fixation construct and graft augmentations have been described, though clinical evidence remains limited to support specific techniques. Gluteus maximus transfer via open approach is a salvage option for the severely atrophied, retracted, or revision gluteus tendon; however, persistent limitations in abduction strength and gait abnormalities are common. Emerging evidence continues to evolve our understanding of surgical decision-making for gluteus tendon tears. The current literature supports either open or endoscopic repair techniques and open tendon transfer as a salvAage option. Further study is needed to determine the optimal fixation construct, the role of graft augmentation, and patient-related factors that influence postoperative outcomes.

Current and future advances in practice: tendinopathies of the hip.

Tendinopathy describes persistent tendon pain and loss of function related to mechanical loading. Two common hip tendinopathies seen in practice are gluteal tendinopathy and proximal hamstring tendinopathy. Both conditions can be frustrating for patients and clinicians due to the delay in diagnosis, significant disability caused and lack of response to common treatments. Tendinopathy is a clinical diagnosis and can most often be made using findings from the patient interview and pain provocation tests, without the need for imaging. Specific education and progressive exercise offer a low-risk and effective option for gluteal tendinopathy and result in greater rates of treatment success than corticosteroid injection, both in the short term (8 weeks) and at 1 year. Proximal hamstring tendinopathy is a common, but less researched, and under-recognized cause of persistent ischial pain. As research on proximal hamstring tendinopathy is limited, this review summarizes the available evidence on diagnosis and treatment following similar principles to other well-researched tendinopathies.

Endoscopic Repair of Hip Abductor Tendon Tears: A Case Report.

Introduction: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is a common incapacitating hip condition characterized by chronic lateral hip pain. This condition includes a range of pathologies ranging from trochanteric bursitis, hip abductor pathology involving the gluteus medius and minimum, external coxa saltans (snapping hip syndrome), or combinations of these. Hip abductor tendon tears have gained recognition as a main contributor to this condition. This pathology is often misdiagnosed and left untreated because of the frequency of partial-thickness undersurface tears. Once this challenging diagnosis is confirmed, non-operative treatments are considered the first therapeutic approach. Despite the availability and effectiveness of multiple non-operative therapies, a considerable percentage of patients will present with chronic disabling pain and refractory symptoms. Many health-care providers are unaware of accessible advanced surgical techniques that benefit patients unresponsive to conservative management. Case Report: We present the case of a 51-year-old female patient with chronic lateral hip pain refractory to conservative treatment for more than two years, treated successfully with endoscopic abductor tendon repair. The patient returned to the desired activities six months following surgery without any reported complications. Patient's pre-operative reported outcomes utilizing the MHOT-14 and Vail hip scores improved from 27 to 79 points (on a scale of 0-100) and from 30 to 56 points (on a scale of 0-100), respectively, at eight months follow-up. Conclusion: This case report is illustrative of endoscopic surgical repair of the hip abductor tendons in the setting of a chronic full-thickness abductor tendon tear in a female patient after failure of conservative management. The multiple advantages of the technique include performance in an ambulatory day surgery center, soft-tissue preservation, and fewer complications compared to other open techniques. Knowledge of this pathology and its state-of-the-art available treatments is relevant for orthopedic surgeons and a wide range of health providers who encounter patients with chronic lateral hip pain.

PENG for chronic pain: the clinical effectiveness of pericapsular nerve group block in chronic hip pain.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficiency and tolerability of pericapsular nerve group block (PENG) for the treatment of chronic hip pain. METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-centre, 4-group study conducted over a 3-month period to find out the most typical cause of chronic hip pain. A total of 112 patients with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis (OA), Stage 2-3, greater trochanteric pain (GTPS) and chronic pain after total hip arthroplasty (cTHA), who had an ultrasound-guided PENG block, were selected. To assess the effectiveness of the treatment, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of the patients prior to treatment were compared with their scores after the 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month of treatment. The study also aimed to analyse the patients' initial feelings of alleviation following the block (1st VAS/2) and problems experienced both during and after the block. RESULTS: The parameters studied included pain, stiffness, and results of physical activity in the 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month following PENG block application. At the beginning of the 1st week, of the 112 patients who were administered a PENG block for hip pain, we reported a 62% improvement in pain, a 52% reduction in stiffness, and a 53% increase in physical activity. Even though these results slightly declined in the 1st and 3rd months, the rates were still higher than 45%. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the PENG block was well-tolerated by the patients in our study. No treatment-related infections or any other serious complications were observed.

Exercise compared to a control condition or other conservative treatment options in patients with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the effectiveness of exercise at end of treatment and long-term follow-up compared to a control condition or other conservative treatments in patients with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS). METHODS: Databases were searched September 2021 and updated September 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing exercise interventions for patients with GTPS, to a control condition; corticosteroid injection; shock wave therapy; or other types of exercise programs were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROB2 tool. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. The certainty of the evidence was rated by the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Six RCTs including a total of 733 patients with GTPS were included. Three trials compared exercise to sham exercise or wait-and-see control groups, two trials compared exercise to corticosteroid injection, two trials compared exercise to shockwave therapy, and one trial compared exercise to another type of exercise. Meta-analyses showed that in the long term, exercise slightly reduces hip pain and disease severity, while slightly improving patient-reported physical function and global rating of change compared to a control condition. No serious adverse events were reported. Compared to corticosteroid injection, exercise improves long-term global rating of change. CONCLUSION: The current evidence supports a strong recommendation for exercise as first line treatment in patients clinically diagnosed with GTPS. Compared to corticosteroid injection, exercise is superior in increasing the likelihood that a patient experiences a meaningful global improvement. These results are based on few trials and a moderate number of patients. REGISTRATION: This review was prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database of systematic reviews (ID: CRD42021261380). CONTRIBUTION OF PAPER.

Low-dose radiotherapy for greater trochanteric pain syndrome-a single-centre analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine predictive factors associated with a good response (GR) to and efficacy of low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) in patients with greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). METHODS: Patients with GTPS were irradiated on a linear accelerator with 0.5-1.0 Gy per fraction to a total dose of 3.0-4.0 Gy per series. The endpoint was subjective good response (GR) to treatment 2 months after completion of the last LDRT series, defined as complete pain relief or marked improvement assessed using the von Pannewitz score. A positive response to steroid injection (SI) was defined as pain relief of at least 7 days. Patient and treatment-related characteristics were evaluated with respect to LDRT outcomes. RESULTS: Outcomes were assessed for 71 peritrochanteric spaces (PTSs; 65 patients, 48 females, with mean age of 63 [44-91] years). Prior SI had been given to 55 (77%) PTSs and 40 PTSs received two series of LDRT. Two months after completion of LDRT, GR was reported in 42 PTSs (59%). Two series of LDRT provided a significantly higher rate of GR than one series (72.5 vs. 42% PTSs, p = 0.015). Temporary pain relief after prior SI predicted GR to LDRT compared with PTSs which had not responded to SI (73 vs. 28% PTSs, p = 0.001). A regional structural abnormality, present in 34 PTSs (48%), was associated with a reduction of GR to LDRT (44 vs. 73% PTSs, p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: LDRT is an effective treatment for GTPS. Administration of two LDRT series, prior response to SI, and absence of structural abnormalities may predict significantly better treatment outcomes.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Clinical Tests for Assessing Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of clinical tests that are used to diagnose greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) in clinical practice. DESIGN: Diagnostic test accuracy systematic review with meta-analysis. LITERATURE SEARCH: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, AMED, and SPORTDiscus were searched using key words mapped to diagnostic test accuracy for GTPS. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies with published or derivable diagnostic accuracy data were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool, and certainty of evidence, via the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) framework. MetaDTA "R" random-effects models were used to summarize individual and pooled data including sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and pretest/posttest probabilities. RESULTS: From a database yield of 858 studies, 23 full texts were assessed. We included 6 studies for review, involving 15 tests and 272 participants (314 hips). Overall certainty of evidence ranged from very low to moderate. Meta-analysis of 6 tests revealed sequenced test clusters able to significantly shift pretest-posttest probability for or against a GTPS diagnosis. In people reporting lateral hip pain, a negative gluteal tendon (GT) palpation test followed by a negative resisted hip abduction test significantly reduced the posttest probability of GTPS from 59% to 14%. In those with a positive GT palpation test followed by a positive resisted hip abduction test, the posttest probability of GTPS significantly shifted from 59% to 96%. CONCLUSION: The value of magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosing GTPS is debated. We have identified a straightforward, clinically useful diagnostic test cluster to help confirm or refute the presence of GTPS in people reporting lateral hip pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2024;54(1):1-24. Epub 10 August 2023. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11890.

Diabetes Mellitus Is a Possible Risk Factor for the Development of Trochanteric Bursitis-A Large-Scale Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Trochanteric Bursitis (TB) is a common reason to seek primary care, previously shown to be associated with female gender and obesity. Diabetes mellitus (DM) has several musculoskeletal manifestations, but was never found to be associated with TB. PURPOSE: To explore the association between DM and TB, based on a large database. The secondary aim was to explore the influence of gender and insulin usage on the occurrence of TB. STUDY DESIGN: cross-sectional study. METHODS: A population-based cohort consisting of 60,610 patients (55,428 without DM and 5182 with DM), of whom 5418 were diagnosed with TB. A logistic regression model was applied to estimate propensity scores. RESULTS: The odds of individuals with DM being diagnosed with TB were 55.8% higher compared to the odds of patients without DM (OR: 1.558, 95% CI: [1.429, 1.70], p < 0.0001). We found that insulin users had a lower risk of TB than patients not using insulin (log-rank p < 0.0001). Females are 3.3 times more likely to have TB than males (RR: 3.337, 95% CI: [3.115, 3.584], p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: DM is a risk factor for developing TB. Insulin had a protective effect against TB, suggesting that better glycemic control might prevent this painful infliction.

Psychometric Characteristics, Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Slovenian Version of the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessments for Gluteal Tendinopathy Questionnaire (VISA-G).

Introduction: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) denotes several disorders around the lateral aspect of the hip. GTPS may develop in native hips as well as after total hip arthroplasty (THA). It is estimated that 5-12% of patients suffer from GTPS after primary THA. Despite the prevalence of GTPS, it is hard to diagnose and manage it properly. The VISA-G questionnaire was developed as a patient-reported outcome measurement tool for evaluation of GTPS. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the reliability of the VISA-G Slovenian and its construct and criterion validity. Methods: After the finalization of the VISA-G Slovenian translation procedure, 59 patients with a painful trochanteric region planned for THA filled in the VISA-G Slovenian at the hospital on two occasions 5-7 days apart. On the first occasion, each patient also filled in the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and the Harris Hip Score (HHS) was completed by the physiotherapist. Results: The VISA-G Slovenian was found to have a test-retest reliability of ICC 0.977; 95% CI [0.96; 0.986]. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's alpha 0.79. The statistically significant, but low, correlation between the HHS and VISA-G (r=0.48) was obtained. Concurrent validity of the VISA-G with the EQ-5D-5L showed moderate to strong correlations in Mobility, Self-Care, Usual Activities, Pain, EQ-5D-5L Index and EQ VAS, but low correlation in the Anxiety subscale. No floor and ceiling effect were obtained. Conclusions: The VISA-G Slovenian has excellent psychometric properties needed to measure gluteal tendinopathy-related disability of patients in Slovenia. Thus, we recommend using the questionnaire for measuring trochanteric hip pain.

The reliability and validity of the Norwegian version of the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment for gluteal tendinopathy questionnaire (VISA-G-Norwegian) for patients with greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a common chronic musculoskeletal condition that may affect physical function, quality of life and sleep. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Gluteal questionnaire (VISA-G) has been developed as a Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement (PROM) to address pain, everyday activities, physical activities, and difficulty with weight bearing activities. The aim of the study was to test the reliability, validity and floor and ceiling effects of the Norwegian version of the VISA-G (VISA-G-Norwegian) in a population with GTPS in a specialist health care setting. METHODS: This psychometric evaluation of the VISA-G-Norwegian questionnaire were conducted with a prospective observational design. The VISA-G was translated into Norwegian following recommended guidelines. A subgroup repeated the VISA-G-Norwegian a week after the initial submission. For the reliability, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC2.1), Standard Error of the Measurement (SEM) and the Smallest Detectable Change (SDC95%) were calculated. Internal consistency was measured using a Cronbach´s alpha. Floor and ceiling effects were evaluated, and construct validity was assessed with three a priori hypotheses. RESULTS: 78 participants were included in the study of which 47 stable participants undertook the test-retest reliability arm of the study. The ICC2.1 for the total score was 0.85 (95% CI 0.68, 0.92), SEM was 6.6 points and SDC95% 18.4 points. Cronbach`s alpha was 0.77 (95% CI 0.69, 0.84). No floor or ceiling effects were found in the total score, but ceiling effect was found in three of the eight items. For construct validity, one of the three hypotheses were confirmed. VISA-G-Norwegian correlated to the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODI) and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), 0.64, -0.75 and - 0.63 respectively. CONCLUSION: The VISA-G-Norwegian has acceptable reliability and validity, despite ceiling effect of individual items. The large SDC95% should be considered when measuring change in similar cohorts with GTPS. For a potential future version, it would be recommended to consider response options for questions with ceiling effect and the comprehensibility of question eight. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov the 28/02/2020 (NCT04289922).

Comparison of shock wave therapy and corticosteroid injection in the treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome: A single-blind, randomized study.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the corticosteroid (CS) injection and shock wave therapy (SWT) in the treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). Patients and methods: Between 2020 September and 2021 October, a total of 60 patients with GTPS (12 males, 48 females; mean age: 50.8±8.5 years; range, 34 to 65 years) were included. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups as the SWT group (n=32) receiving one session of SWT per week for a total of three weeks and CS injection group (n=28) receiving CS and local anesthetic. Both groups were evaluated using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) at baseline and three months and using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at baseline, three weeks, and three months. Results: The mean VAS, greater trochanter tenderness, and WOMAC scores of both groups were similar at baseline, while the third-week and three-month scores were significantly lower in both groups compared to baseline (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the treatment efficacy between the groups (p>0.05). There was a similar improvement in SF-36 physical function, physical role difficulty, and pain subscales in both groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our study results show that both CS injection and SWT are effective modalities and none of the treatments is superior to each other.

Relationship between the Arthroscopic Findings and Pathology of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome.

In recent publications on greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), the pathology receiving the most attention has been gluteus medius muscle tendinous injury, and surgical techniques such as gluteus medius tendon repair and their outcomes for GTPS have been reported. In our department-related facilities, arthroscopic surgeries are routinely performed for the patients with recalcitrant GTPS. A total of 51 patients were diagnosed with GTPS. Surgical treatment was carried out 22 patients (24 joints; 4 males and 18 females; mean age at surgery of 52.0 years). Arthroscopic findings confirmed bursitis in all 24 joints. In all cases, debridement of the greater trochanter bursa provided rapid relief of greater trochanter pain. The Numerical Rating Scale showed significant improvement, from the preoperative mean of 7.8 (range, 6-10) to the postoperative day 7 mean of 1.6 (range, 0-3). The modified Harris Hip Score was significantly improved from the preoperative mean of 65.5 (range, 52.5-78.3) to the final follow-up (average 2.9 months) mean of 96.0 (range, 85.2-100). Fascial damage of the gluteus medius muscle was observed in 21 joints while only 2 patients had a gluteus medius tendinous injury. Greater trochanteric bursitis and fascia or muscle-fiber injury of the gluteus medius muscle are the most common pathologies in patients with lateral hip pain.

Effectiveness of Exercise Treatments with or without Adjuncts for Common Lower Limb Tendinopathies: A Living Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Exercise therapy is usually prescribed as first-line treatment for lower limb tendinopathies. The multitude of exercise- and non-exercise-based management options can be overwhelming for the treating sports professional and patient alike. We chose to investigate the comparative effectiveness of exercise therapy with or without adjuncts for managing the commonest lower limb tendinopathies. METHODS: Through an extensive systematic literature search using multiple databases, we aimed to identify eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy or greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) that included at least one exercise intervention in their treatment arms. Our primary outcomes were patient-reported pain and function (Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment; VISA). Follow-up was defined as short-term (≤ 12 weeks), mid-term (> 12 weeks to < 12 months) and long-term (≥ 12 months). The risk of bias and strength of evidence were assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration and GRADE-NMA tools, respectively. Analyses were performed separately for each one of the three tendinopathies. RESULTS: A total of 68 RCTs were included in the systematic review. All pairwise comparisons that demonstrated statistically and clinically significant differences between interventions were based on low or very low strength of evidence. Based on evidence of moderate strength, the addition of extracorporeal shockwave therapy to eccentric exercise in patellar tendinopathy was associated with no short-term benefit in pain or VISA-P. From the network meta-analyses, promising interventions such as slow resistance exercise and therapies administered alongside eccentric exercise, such as topical glyceryl trinitrate for patellar tendinopathy and high-volume injection with corticosteroid for Achilles tendinopathy were based on low/very low strength of evidence. CONCLUSION: In this network meta-analysis, we found no convincing evidence that any adjuncts administered on their own or alongside exercise are more effective than exercise alone. Therefore, we recommend that exercise monotherapy continues to be offered as first-line treatment for patients with Achilles and patellar tendinopathies and GTPS for at least 3 months before an adjunct is considered. We provide treatment recommendations for each tendinopathy. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021289534.