Muscle size and quality in individuals with greater trochanteric pain syndrome

Overview

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common condition characterised by pain in and around the region of the greater trochanter that largely affects middle-aged women. Function (e.g., walking, climbing stairs) is adversely affected, and pain intensity and physical impairment have a considerable impact on an individual’s health and wellbeing, including sleep and work participation.

The aetiology of GTPS is complex, but it is widely recognised that the underlying cause is gluteal tendinopathy (tendinopathy of the gluteus medius and/or minimus tendons), with or without accompanying distention of the trochanteric bursae. These findings are generally confirmed with ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, but imaging findings suggestive of gluteal tendinopathy are also present in a large proportion of people who do not report any symptoms.

There is some evidence of reduced muscle volume and fatty infiltration of the gluteal muscles in people with GTPS (particularly gluteus minimus and the upper portion of gluteus maximus), which may be associated with reduced hip abductor muscle strength and altered hip kinematics. However, further research is required to explore the morphology of the gluteal muscles in individuals with GTPS, and to determine if any changes are specific to particular muscle compartments.

This study will examine gluteal muscle size and quality using magnetic resonance images from a large randomised controlled trial in people with GTPS.

Enquiries related to this PhD project are invited from eligible students who have completed an Honours and/or Masters degree with a strong academic excellence, and have an interest in musculoskeletal anatomy and/or physiotherapy or other related health research fields. The prospective candidate will need to be eligible for admission to the PhD programme at the University of Otago and obtain a University of Otago PhD scholarship (which require a GPA of 8 or higher).

Please contact Professor Woodley for further information.

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