In trochanteric bursitis, what is the typical finding on range of motion?

In trochanteric bursitis, what is the typical finding on range of motion?

• A. ROM is severely limited in all directions.
• B. Passive and active range of motion are typically intact.
• C. ROM is limited only with internal rotation.
• D. ROM is limited with hip abduction.

Answer: (B)

Trochanteric bursitis causes focal lateral hip pain from bursal inflammation but does not restrict the mechanics of the hip joint itself. As a result, both active and passive range of motion through the hip arc is typically preserved, even though maneuvers that provoke the lateral hip (like resisted hip abduction or palpation over the greater trochanter) can be painful. This contrasts with conditions that mechanically limit joint movement, which would show reduced ROM in multiple directions or a specific ROM pattern. Therefore, the common finding is that ROM is intact on both active and passive testing.

Trochanteric bursitis causes focal lateral hip pain from bursal inflammation but does not restrict the mechanics of the hip joint itself. As a result, both active and passive range of motion through the hip arc is typically preserved, even though maneuvers that provoke the lateral hip (like resisted hip abduction or palpation over the greater trochanter) can be painful. This contrasts with conditions that mechanically limit joint movement, which would show reduced ROM in multiple directions or a specific ROM pattern. Therefore, the common finding is that ROM is intact on both active and passive testing.