A surgeon discussing Hip Bursectomy Surgery options with a patient in Florida
Treatment/Treatment Details

Hip Bursectomy Surgery

Hip bursectomy removes the inflamed bursa to treat chronic hip bursitis when conservative treatments have failed.

Experiencing Hip Pain?

Get expert relief — we'll call you to schedule

Free consultation • Same-day callbacks • No obligation

Surgical Removal of Inflamed Bursa

Hip Bursectomy is a minimally invasive procedure performed to remove an inflamed bursa when hip bursitis fails to respond to conservative treatment. The bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the hip joint, and when it becomes chronically inflamed, removal may be necessary.

This procedure is typically reserved for severe, chronic cases of bursitis that have not responded to rest, physical therapy, medications, or injections. The most common type is trochanteric bursectomy, which removes the bursa over the greater trochanter (the bony prominence on the outer hip).

At Mountain Spine & Orthopedics, our specialists use minimally invasive techniques to remove the inflamed bursa while preserving surrounding tissues. This approach minimizes recovery time and allows for a rapid return to activities once healing is complete.

Explore Hip Conditions & Treatments

View all hip conditions and treatment options →

Who Needs Hip Bursectomy?

  • Patients with chronic hip bursitis that has failed conservative treatment
  • Those with persistent pain despite multiple corticosteroid injections
  • Individuals whose symptoms significantly impact daily activities or sleep
  • Patients with recurrent bursitis that keeps coming back
  • Those who have tried physical therapy, medications, and activity modification without success
  • Individuals with severe inflammation that doesn't respond to other treatments
  • Patients who understand that surgery is a last resort after exhausting other options

What Conditions does Hip Bursectomy Surgery Help Ease?

This procedure may help with:

Minimally invasive hip bursectomy procedure

The Bursectomy Procedure

  1. A small incision is made over the affected bursa (typically on the outer hip)
  2. The inflamed bursa is identified and carefully removed
  3. Any associated scar tissue or adhesions are released
  4. The area is inspected to ensure complete removal
  5. The incision is closed with sutures
  6. The patient begins immediate rehabilitation

Benefits of Hip Bursectomy Surgery

  • Eliminates chronic bursitis when conservative treatment fails
  • Minimally invasive procedure with small incision
  • Faster recovery than joint surgery
  • Significant improvement in symptoms for most patients
  • Allows return to normal activities
  • Long-lasting relief in most cases

Recovery After Bursectomy

Recovery Timeline: 4-8 Weeks for Full Recovery

Recovery from hip bursectomy is typically faster than joint surgery since the procedure doesn't involve the joint itself.

Phase 1 (Weeks 1-2): Wound care, gentle range of motion exercises, and avoidance of activities that stress the area. Most patients can bear weight immediately.

Phase 2 (Weeks 2-4): Progressive return to activities, continued range of motion exercises, and initiation of strengthening exercises.

Phase 3 (Weeks 4-8): Full return to activities, continued strengthening, and resolution of any residual discomfort. Most patients experience significant improvement in symptoms.

Long-term: The removed bursa may regenerate over time, but typically without the inflammation that caused the original problem. Most patients experience lasting relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hip bursectomy?

Hip bursectomy is surgical removal of the inflamed trochanteric bursa on the outer hip. It's typically performed arthroscopically or through a small incision when chronic hip bursitis fails to respond to conservative treatment.

When is hip bursectomy recommended?

Surgery is considered after 6-12 months of failed conservative treatment including physical therapy, injections, activity modification, and NSAIDs. Persistent pain limiting daily activities and sleep despite multiple injections indicates surgical candidacy.

What does hip bursectomy surgery involve?

The procedure removes the thickened, inflamed bursa and addresses underlying causes such as tight IT band (iliotibial band lengthening), gluteal tendon tears (repair), or bone spurs (removal). Addressing causative factors prevents recurrence.

What is the recovery time for hip bursectomy?

Most patients resume light activities within 2-4 weeks and return to full activities by 6-12 weeks. Physical therapy focuses on IT band stretching, hip strengthening, and correcting biomechanical issues. Success rates exceed 85% when underlying causes are addressed.

Can hip bursitis come back after surgery?

Recurrence is uncommon after bursectomy as the bursa is removed. However, similar pain may return if underlying issues (IT band tightness, gluteal tears, leg-length discrepancy) aren't addressed. Maintaining hip flexibility and strength prevents recurrent symptoms.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Chronic hip bursitis not responding to treatment? Our specialists offer minimally invasive bursectomy. Schedule a consultation with Mountain Spine & Orthopedics today. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.

Locations Offering Evaluation

Our board-certified specialists offer hip bursectomy surgery evaluation and treatment at locations across Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.