Outcomes of Endoscopic Gluteus Medius Repair: Study of Thirty-four Patients with Minimum Two-Year Follow-up
Authors
Chandrasekaran S, Gui C, Hutchinson MR, Lodhia P, Suarez-Ahedo C, Domb BG.
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.N.01229
Purpose
To evaluate clinical outcomes of endoscopic repair of partial and full-thickness gluteus medius tears with at least two years of follow-up.
Methods
- Thirty-four patients (mostly female, mean age 57) underwent endoscopic repair between 2009–2012.
- Patient-reported outcomes included modified Harris Hip Score, Nonarthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Scores, pain VAS, and satisfaction.
- Comparison of suture bridge vs transtendinous repair techniques.
Key Findings
- Significant improvement in all PROs at 2 years; mean pain VAS decreased from 6.6 to 2.4 (p < 0.001).
- Mean satisfaction score was 8.5/10.
- 58% of patients with preoperative gait abnormality regained normal gait.
- No significant outcome differences between repair techniques.
- Four patients eventually required total hip replacement.
Conclusion
Endoscopic gluteus medius repair with correction of intra-articular pathology is an effective treatment providing significant pain relief and functional improvement at two years.
What This Means for Patients
If you have a painful gluteus medius tear unresponsive to conservative care, endoscopic repair offers a minimally invasive option with good outcomes and high satisfaction.