Excision of Ischiogluteal Bursa

What is the Ischiogluteal Bursa?

The ischiogluteal bursa, also known as the ischial or gluteal bursa, is a small fluid-filled sac located between the gluteus maximus muscle and the ischial tuberosity, commonly known as the sitting bone.

The ischial tuberosity is a bony prominence located at the lower part of the pelvis, and it supports body weight when sitting. The gluteus maximus muscle covers this area and plays a key role in hip extension and movement.

The bursa acts as a cushion that:

• Reduces friction between muscle and bone
• Allows smooth movement during hip motion
• Protects soft tissues during sitting and movement

When this bursa becomes inflamed, it can lead to ischiogluteal bursitis, which causes pain and discomfort in the buttock area.

How Does Ischiogluteal Bursitis Happen?

Ischiogluteal bursitis occurs when the bursa becomes inflamed due to irritation or repeated pressure.

Common causes include:

• Prolonged sitting on hard surfaces
• Repetitive friction or pressure on the sitting bone
• Direct trauma or falls onto the buttock
• Overuse during sports or physical activity
• Poor posture or biomechanical issues
• Rheumatic or inflammatory conditions

Because the bursa is located close to the sciatic nerve, inflammation can sometimes produce symptoms similar to sciatica, including pain radiating down the leg.

When chronic inflammation does not respond to conservative treatment, ischiogluteal bursa excision surgery may be recommended.

What Are the Symptoms of Ischiogluteal Bursitis?

Symptoms can develop gradually and may worsen with prolonged sitting or activity.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the lower buttock region
• Pain when sitting, especially on hard surfaces
• Tenderness over the sitting bone
• Swelling or inflammation in the buttock area
• Difficulty with prolonged sitting
• Pain when standing up from sitting
• Reduced hip mobility
• Pain that may mimic sciatica

If symptoms persist despite treatment, surgical removal of the bursa may be considered.

What Should I Do If I Have Symptoms?

If you experience persistent buttock pain or discomfort when sitting, it is important to seek medical assessment.

A healthcare professional may recommend:

• Physical examination
• Imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI
• Physiotherapy assessment
• Activity modification and pain management

In many cases, physiotherapy can effectively treat bursitis without surgery. However, if symptoms become chronic and resistant to treatment, ischiogluteal bursa excision surgery may be necessary.

At ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, physiotherapists can assess hip and pelvic conditions and provide personalised rehabilitation programmes.

Symptoms After Ischiogluteal Bursa Excision Surgery

After surgery, it is common to experience several temporary symptoms during the recovery period.

Patients are usually provided with crutches and advised to avoid full weight-bearing for approximately two days to protect the surgical site.

Common post-operative symptoms include:

• Pain and soreness around the incision
• Swelling and bruising in the buttock area
• Stiffness in the hip and buttock muscles
• Temporary muscle weakness
• Mild numbness or tingling if nearby nerves were irritated
• Limited hip movement initially

These symptoms typically improve gradually with proper rehabilitation.

Physiotherapy Treatment After Ischiogluteal Bursa Excision

Physiotherapy plays a key role in helping patients regain normal hip function after surgery.

A personalised rehabilitation programme at ACE Physio Sports – Singapore focuses on restoring movement, strength, and functional mobility.

Pain and Swelling Management

Physiotherapists may use:

• Ice therapy
• Positioning techniques
• Gentle therapeutic modalities

These treatments help control inflammation and discomfort.

Range of Motion Exercises

Gentle exercises are introduced to restore hip flexibility and joint mobility while protecting the healing tissues.

Muscle Activation and Strengthening

Exercises focus on strengthening muscles that support the hip and pelvis, including:

• Gluteal muscles
• Hamstrings
• Hip stabilisers

Strengthening these muscles helps restore stability and prevent future problems.

Postural Correction

Poor posture or biomechanical issues may contribute to bursitis. Physiotherapists may provide guidance on posture and alignment during sitting and movement.

Gait and Functional Training

Training focuses on restoring normal walking patterns and improving movement during daily activities.

Education and Activity Guidance

Patients are educated on safe movement patterns and gradual return to activity to prevent recurrence.

What Should I Avoid After Surgery?

During recovery, it is important to avoid activities that may irritate the healing tissues.

Avoid:

• Prolonged sitting on hard surfaces
• Sudden hip movements
• High-impact activities
• Heavy lifting in the early stages
• Returning to sports too quickly
• Ignoring physiotherapy advice

Following a structured rehabilitation programme ensures a safe and effective recovery.

Can There Be Long-Term Effects?

Most patients recover well after ischiogluteal bursa excision surgery.

However, without proper rehabilitation, complications may include:

• Persistent hip stiffness
• Muscle weakness
• Altered walking patterns
• Recurrence of pain due to biomechanical issues

Physiotherapy helps minimise these risks by restoring strength, flexibility, and functional movement.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

ACE Physio Sports – Singapore provides specialised physiotherapy for hip injuries, sports injuries, and post-surgical rehabilitation.

Our physiotherapists design individualised rehabilitation programmes to help patients regain movement, strength, and confidence.

Patients benefit from:

• Experienced physiotherapists
• Personalised treatment plans
• Evidence-based rehabilitation techniques
• Sports and musculoskeletal specialists
• Modern physiotherapy equipment

Our East Coast Road clinic serves patients from nearby areas including:

• Marine Parade
• Katong
• Joo Chiat
• Siglap
• Bedok
• Telok Kurau

We help patients safely return to daily activities, work, and sports.

Book an Appointment

To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosport.com.