Complications of Injecting a Trochanteric Bursa Complications are uncommon and include Subcutaneous fat atrophy, skin atrophy and sinus tracts, and temporary skin depigmentation due to inadvertent subcutaneous corticosteroid injection Painful local reaction thought to result from a chemical synovitis in response to the crystals in the corticosteroid solution (sometimes called a postinjection flare) occurring within a few hours of depot corticosteroid injection and usually lasting ≤ 48 hours Infection In diabetic patients, hyperglycemia after a depot corticosteroid injection Equipment for Injecting a Trochanteric Bursa Antiseptic solution (eg, chlorhexidine, povidone iodine, isopropyl alcohol) Sterile gauze, gloves, sterile adhesive bandage Needle insertion site anesthesia (eg, topical freezing spray or injectable 1% lidocaine without epinephrine, in a 3-mL syringe) For therapeutic injection, 10-mL syringe with about 3 to 5 mL 1% lidocaine (without epinephrine) mixed with injectable depot corticosteroid (eg, triamcinolone acetonide, 40 mg) 2-inch needle, 22 to 25 gauge Some 3-mL syringes Having an assistant is helpful.