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Piriformis Bursa

bursa musculi piriformis

The piriformis bursa is a small bursa located at the insertion of the piriformis tendon on the superior facet of the greater trochanter. It reduces friction between the piriformis tendon and the underlying greater trochanteric bone and the overlying gluteal tendons as the tendon inserts into the trochanteric fossa and superior facet.

Region: Pelvis & Hip

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Piriformis bursal inflammation is part of the broader greater trochanteric pain syndrome spectrum, contributing to lateral hip pain in patients who may also have gluteus medius or minimus tendinopathy. Distinguishing piriformis from trochanteric bursitis on clinical grounds alone is difficult. MRI demonstrates fluid around the piriformis tendon insertion at the superior trochanteric facet, distinguishing it from the principal trochanteric bursitis pattern. The sciatic nerve's close relationship to the piriformis muscle body (not the tendon) is relevant for piriformis syndrome but not specifically for this bursa.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Piriformis Insertion Bursitis

Inflammation around the piriformis tendon insertion at the greater trochanter produces lateral hip pain worsened by external rotation and hip flexion, managed with physiotherapy targeting hip external rotator flexibility and strength, and corticosteroid injection at the insertion.