Name of the Procedure:

Excision; Trochanteric Bursa or Calcification

Summary

Excision of the trochanteric bursa or calcification is a surgical procedure aimed at removing an inflamed bursa or calcium deposits near the hip joint to alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Purpose

This procedure addresses chronic hip pain caused by bursitis or calcific tendonitis. The goal is to remove the inflamed bursa or calcium deposits, thereby reducing pain and improving function in the hip area.

Indications

• Persistent pain in the hip that does not respond to conservative treatments like physical therapy or medication.
• Limited range of motion in the hip.
• Swelling and tenderness over the greater trochanter.
• Symptoms lasting more than six months or recurring frequently.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for 6-8 hours before the procedure.
• Medications such as blood thinners may need to be adjusted or paused.

• Pre-operative tests including blood tests, imaging (X-ray, MRI), and a physical examination are usually required.

  Procedure Description

  1. Patient is taken to the operating room and administered anesthesia—either general or regional.
  2. The surgical site is cleaned and prepped.
  3. A small incision is made over the trochanteric bursa.
  4. The inflamed bursa or calcium deposits are carefully excised using surgical instruments.
  5. The incision is closed with sutures or staples and dressed.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

Performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Orthopedic surgeon
• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist
• Surgical nurse or assistant
• Operating room technician

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the surgical site
• Bleeding or hematoma
• Nerve damage
• Blood clots
• Recurrence of the condition
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia

Benefits

• Significant pain relief
• Improved hip joint function and mobility
• Ability to return to normal activities

Recovery

• Patients may need crutches or a walker for a few days post-surgery.
• Pain medication may be prescribed for discomfort.
• A follow-up appointment is necessary to monitor healing.
• Physical therapy is often recommended.
• Full recovery typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, but light activities can resume sooner.

Alternatives

• Conservative treatments like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections.
• Shockwave therapy or ultrasound-guided needle procedures.
• Each alternative has its own benefits and limitations compared to surgical excision.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure, the patient will be under anesthesia and should not feel any pain.
• Post-procedure, mild to moderate pain, swelling, and discomfort at the incision site are common but manageable with prescribed medications.
• Patients will need to follow specific aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and recovery.