Differential Diagnosis for Hip Pain Worse on Abduction
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis + Greater trochanteric bursitis: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the bursa located over the greater trochanter of the femur. Pain is typically worse with abduction, as this movement increases pressure on the bursa.
- Other Likely Diagnoses + Gluteus medius tendonitis: The gluteus medius muscle plays a key role in hip abduction. Inflammation or strain of this tendon can cause pain that worsens with abduction. + Piriformis syndrome: The piriformis muscle runs from the base of the spine to the thighbone, and its dysfunction can cause pain in the hip area, especially with movements like abduction that stretch or irritate the muscle. + Hip labral tear: A tear in the labrum, the cartilage that surrounds the socket of the hip joint, can cause pain, especially with certain movements like abduction.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses + Osteonecrosis of the femoral head: This condition, also known as avascular necrosis, involves the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. It can cause hip pain that worsens with movement, including abduction. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent further damage. + Septic arthritis: An infection within the joint can cause severe pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion. While less common, it is a critical diagnosis to consider due to its potential for rapid joint destruction and systemic infection.
- Rare Diagnoses + Snapping hip syndrome (coxa saltans): This condition involves a snapping or clicking sensation in the hip, often due to a tendon moving over a bony prominence. It can cause pain, especially with movements like abduction. + Ischiogluteal bursitis: Inflammation of the ischiogluteal bursa, located between the ischial tuberosity and the gluteus maximus muscle, can cause pain in the buttock area that may radiate to the hip and worsen with certain movements, including abduction.