Differential Diagnosis for Lateral Hip Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Greater Trochanteric Bursitis: This condition is a common cause of lateral hip pain, often resulting from inflammation of the bursa over the greater trochanter due to repetitive friction or direct trauma. It's frequently seen in individuals with poor posture, runners, or those who spend a lot of time standing.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gluteus Medius Tendinopathy: Similar to the rotator cuff in the shoulder, the gluteus medius tendon can become inflamed or torn, leading to lateral hip pain. This condition is common in runners and cyclists.
- Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome: The IT band runs down the outside of the thigh from the hip to the knee. Friction or inflammation of this band can cause lateral hip pain, especially in runners or those who participate in activities involving repetitive knee flexion and extension.
- Piriformis Syndrome: Although more commonly associated with sciatica, piriformis syndrome can also cause lateral hip pain due to the piriformis muscle's location and potential to compress nearby structures.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Hip Fracture: While less common, a hip fracture (especially an occult fracture) can present with lateral hip pain and must be considered, especially in older adults or those with osteoporosis, to avoid missing a potentially devastating diagnosis.
- Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head: This condition, often related to steroid use, trauma, or excessive alcohol consumption, can lead to hip pain, including lateral hip pain, and requires early diagnosis to preserve the hip joint.
- Septic Arthritis or Osteomyelitis: Infection within the hip joint or bone can cause severe pain and must be promptly diagnosed and treated to prevent long-term damage.
Rare Diagnoses
- Osteoid Osteoma: A benign bone tumor that can cause nocturnal pain, which is relieved by NSAIDs. It's a rare cause of hip pain but should be considered in cases where pain persists and other diagnoses have been ruled out.
- Synovial Chondromatosis: A rare condition characterized by the growth of cartilage in the synovial membrane of the joint, leading to pain and stiffness. It's more commonly seen in the knee but can occur in the hip.