Bursae and abscess cavities communicating with the hip. Diagnosis using arthrography and CT.

Bursae or abscess cavities communicating with the hip joint were demonstrated by hip arthrography or by computed tomography (CT) in 40 cases. The bursae or abscess cavities were associated with underlying abnormalities in the hip, including painful hip prostheses, infection, and inflammatory or degenerative arthritis. Structures communicating with the joint capsule included iliopsoas bursae (13 cases), bursae associated with the greater trochanter (21 cases), ischiotrochanteric bursae created by abnormal articulation between the ischium and lesser trochanter (two cases), and abscess cavities not associated with a bursa (four cases). Symptoms may be produced directly as a result of infection or indirectly as a result of inflammation or pressure on adjacent structures. In cases of suspected infection, direct puncture and aspiration of the bursa or abscess cavity, in addition to joint aspiration, may be necessary to obtain organisms for culture as joint aspiration may not yield fluid. Hip arthrography can confirm a diagnosis of bursae and abscess cavities communicating with the hip joint in patients with hip pain or soft-tissue masses around the groin. Differentiation of enlarged bursae from other abnormalities is important to avoid unnecessary or incorrect surgery.