Gluteus Medius Tears

Gluteus medius tears most commonly occur due to overuse or degeneration of the muscle and tendon, especially in middle-aged or older individuals. It can also be injured from sudden, forceful movements, such as during sports or a fall. Sometimes, tears can be caused by hip surgery, particularly hip replacement.

Individuals with a gluteus medius tear often experience pain on the outer part of their hip, which can extend down to the thigh. The pain may worsen with activities like walking, climbing stairs, or lying on the affected side. Other symptoms can include hip weakness, limping, and instability.

Gluteus medius tears do not typically heal on their own, especially if they are large or complete tears. However, small tears or inflammation of the muscle and tendon can improve with rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Diagnosis usually involves a thorough physical examination, discussion of symptoms and medical history, and imaging tests. Specific tests to assess the strength and function of your hip muscles will also be performed. Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, can provide a detailed view of the muscle and identify the presence and severity of the tear.

Treatment for a gluteus medius tear can involve both non-surgical and surgical methods. Non-surgical treatment includes rest, physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and corticosteroid injections. If these methods are not effective, or if the tear is severe, surgery may be necessary.

Surgery is typically recommended for individuals who have large, full-thickness gluteus medius tears, or those who do not respond to conservative treatments. The timing of surgery will depend on individual factors like the person’s overall health, activity level, and the severity of the symptoms. However, if there is a large tear, the muscle may begin to atrophy over time making a repair less likely to heal.

Surgical repair of the gluteus medius can be performed arthroscopically, using small incisions and a camera to guide the surgery, or open through a larger incision. During the procedure, the torn portion of the tendon is reattached to its proper place on the hip bone using anchors into the bone and sutures into the tendon.

Recovery from gluteus medius surgery involves a period of rest, followed by physical therapy to restore hip strength and mobility. Full recovery can take several months.