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What Is Trochanteric Osteotomy?

Trochanteric osteotomy is a surgical cut through the greater trochanter, a bony projection near the top of the thighbone. It can give the surgeon access to a complex hip problem while keeping attached muscles with the bone fragment. The fragment is secured back to the thighbone after the main hip procedure.

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What Is Trochanteric Osteotomy?

Trochanteric osteotomy is a surgical cut through the greater trochanter, a bony projection near the top of the thighbone. It can give the surgeon access to a complex hip problem while keeping attached muscles with the bone fragment. The fragment is secured back to the thighbone after the main hip procedure.

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When Is Trochanteric Osteotomy Used?

A surgeon may use this approach to reach parts of the hip during selected reconstructive operations or complex hip replacements. It is not required for every hip operation. Imaging and the planned repair help determine whether the additional access is needed.

How Is the Bone Reattached?

The surgeon cuts and moves a section of the greater trochanter to expose the hip joint. After treating the hip, the surgeon places the bone fragment back in position. Screws, cables, or other fixation hold it while the bone heals.

What Happens During Recovery?

The reattached bone needs protection as it heals. The surgeon may limit weight bearing and certain hip movements, particularly movements that pull on the attached muscles. Physical therapy and follow-up imaging guide the return to activity.

What Are the Risks and Limitations?

The bone fragment may heal slowly, fail to unite, or shift from its intended position. Fixation can cause discomfort, and weakness in the muscles on the side of the hip may persist. Risks from the main hip operation also affect recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trochanteric Osteotomy

Does every hip replacement require a trochanteric osteotomy?

No. Surgeons use it for selected cases that require additional access to the hip. Most routine hip replacements use other approaches.

Is the greater trochanter removed permanently?

No. The bone fragment is generally moved during surgery and then fixed back in place. It must heal to the thighbone afterward.

Why are crutches sometimes needed?

Crutches can limit force on the healing bone and its muscle attachments. The surgeon sets the weight-bearing schedule for the specific operation.

What happens if the bone does not heal?

A nonunion can cause pain or weakness and may allow the fragment to move. Further treatment, including another operation, may be considered.

References

Anterior trochanteric slide osteotomy for primary total hip arthroplasty. Review of nonunion and complications. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16446186/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Complications of trochanteric osteotomy. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1570144/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Greater trochanteric osteotomy and subtrochanteric osteotomy in primary/revision total hip arthroplasty. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9947351/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Standard trochanteric osteotomy. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S104545270400029X. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Trochanteric Slide Osteotomy on Previously Osteotomized Greater Trochanters. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2865607/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.