Distal fascia lata lengthening: an alternative surgical technique for recalcitrant trochanteric bursitis

Abstract

This article presents a simple technique for fascia lata lengthening that is less aggressive, can be performed under local anaesthetic with little morbidity and disability, and has excellent results. Eleven patients (13 hips) were enrolled in this study. Mean age was 54.6 years, there was one man and ten women. Outcomes were assessed by using a visual analog pain scale, Harris hip score and Lickert scale (satisfaction). There was a mean follow-up time of 43 months (range 15-84). All patients were scored by the Harris hip scale with a mean improvement from 61 (range 48-77) to 91 (range 76-95) after surgery. The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) score improved from 83 (range 60-99) to 13 (range 0-70). We had 12 of 13 patients reporting a good result. Mean surgical time was 15 min, and only one seroma was reported as a complication. No inpatient management was needed. In conclusion, distal "Z" lengthening of the fascia lata appears to be a good alternative for treatment of this condition.

Fig. 1

Surgical area where the distal lengthening is made. A squared area of skin is infiltrated with local anaesthesia. Dissection by layers is made until the fascia lata is seen and a “Z” type incision is made observing it’s sliding. The fascia is sutured with reabsorbable sutures

Fig. 2

Bar chart showing the postoperative Lickert scale of satisfaction