Hip bursitis is caused by inflammation of a small jelly-like sac known as a bursa. There are about 160 bursa sacs in the human body and many are in the shoulder, knee, and hip. The bursa serve as cushions between bones and tissues and help reduce friction between muscles and bones. Hip bursitis is most common in middle-aged or elderly people and tends to affect women more than men, and hip bursitis surgery is performed to treat that problem.

At the La Peer Health Systems Hip Surgery Center of Excellence in Beverly Hills, our hip surgeons are leading experts in their field. Patients who opt to visit our world-renowned facilities for hip bursitis surgery will receive an unparalleled quality of service and care. If you wish to benefit from our knowledge and expertise in the very latest and innovative hip surgery procedures, contact the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence at  (888) 760-3378.

Symptoms & Risk Factors of Hip Bursitis

Patients with hip bursitis usually experience a sharp pain at the point of the hip, which extends outside of the thigh area. Getting up from a chair, as well as prolonged walking or squatting, may worsen pain from hip bursitis. Risk factors associated with hip bursitis include:

• Hip surgery – Previous surgery around the hip area can irritate bursa.
• Hip injury – This can occur from a fall, from bumping into a hard surface, or from lying on one side of the body too long.
• Spine disease – This includes scoliosis, arthritis, and other spine problems.
• Bone spurs – These can develop within tendons, irritate the bursa, and cause inflammation.

Treatment Options for Hip Bursitis

It is possible that hip bursitis can be treated without surgery. Some patients will experience relief by modifying their activities and using anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. Injection of a corticosteroid, along with a local anesthetic, may also be helpful in relieving pain. When all non-surgical treatments have been tried, surgery may be required.

Hip bursitis surgery involves removal of the bursa. The newest technique is arthroscopic removal of the bursa, in which it is removed through a quarter-inch incision in the hip. A camera is placed in the incision so the bursa can be viewed and removed with surgical instruments. This surgery is much less invasive than traditional surgery and can be performed on an outpatient basis at the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence.

Rehabilitation After Hip Bursitis Surgery

Hip bursitis surgery requires a short rehabilitation period. Most patients will be up and walking the day after surgery but will require the use of canes or crutches for a few days after surgery. Any soreness from the surgery will be gone after a few days. Physical therapy is normally conducted for a period of about four to six weeks after surgery. Early studies show that arthroscopic hip bursitis surgery is quite effective.

Hip Bursitis Surgery FAQ’s

Q: Is there anything I can do to prevent hip bursitis?

A: Yes, you can help to prevent hip bursitis by losing weight, avoiding repetitive activities that put stress on the hips, and maintaining strength of the hips.

Q: How is hip bursitis diagnosed?

A: Hip bursitis is diagnosed by physical examination. Often an X-ray is taken to ensure that bone spurs or calcifications aren’t causing the pain. The doctor may require an MRI if the problem isn’t clear.

Q: Is hip bursitis ever confused with other medical conditions?

A: Generally, hip bursitis is a clear diagnosis. However, in some cases hip bursitis can be confused with other medical conditions including hip pointers and iliotibial band tendonitis.

Q: How long will a full recovery from surgery take?

A: It depends on the patient, but a full recovery may take several months.

Contact a Hip Bursitis Surgeon in Beverly Hills

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a hip bursitis surgeon at the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence, call  (888) 760-3378 or fill out our contact form. Our surgeons utilize the latest and most effective procedures when treating hip bursitis, and we will build a unique treatment program to fit your needs.

Next, learn about hip arthroscopy.