Clinical Presentation and Imaging Results of Patients With Symptomatic Gluteus Medius Tears
Citation
Lindner D, Shohat N, Botser I, Agar G, Domb BG.
J Hip Preserv Surg. 2015 May 19;2(3):310-5.
DOI: 10.1093/jhps/hnv035
Purpose
To characterize the clinical symptoms, physical examination findings, imaging, and intraoperative results of patients with symptomatic gluteus medius (GM) tears.
Methods
- Retrospective evaluation of 45 patients (47 hips) undergoing GM repair.
- Collected pain scores (VAS), hip-specific function scores, imaging findings (MRA), and surgical observations.
Key Findings
- Most patients were middle-aged females with insidious onset of lateral hip pain.
- Average delay to diagnosis was 28 months.
- MRAs showed a range from tendinosis to complete tears, but radiologist reports sometimes underestimated severity compared to surgery.
- GM tears are an under-recognized but important cause of persistent hip pain.
Conclusion
Awareness of GM tears can help diagnose and treat patients sooner, potentially reducing prolonged pain and dysfunction.
What This Means for Patients
If you have chronic lateral hip pain, especially if imaging is inconclusive, GM tears may be the cause. Early recognition and treatment can improve outcomes.