What is a gluteus medius tear?
The gluteus medius is one of three muscles in the buttock and is situated on the outer surface of the hip. The gluteus medius assists with pelvic stability, hip abduction (leg separation) and internal/external rotation of the hip. A gluteus medius tear, also known as the rotator cuff tear of the hip, involve tearing of the gluteus medius muscle from its attachment to the greater trochanter, commonly known as the “lateral hip bone.” Dr. Austin Chen, hip specialist serving greater Boulder, Colorado, is available to both diagnose and treat a gluteus medius tear of the hip.
What are the causes of a gluteus medius tear?
A gluteus medius tear occurs with a partial or complete rupture of the muscle. It can occur due to traumatic injury or degenerative conditions such as tendinopathy (chronic inflammation of the gluteus medius tendon). The tear or rupture of the gluteus medius muscle is commonly seen in runners and athletes involved in high-impact sports such as soccer or basketball.
A tear of the gluteus medius can occur due to:
- Sudden bursts of activity and poor flexibility of the gluteus muscle.
- Traumatic injury – tendinopathy (chronic inflammation of the gluteus medius tendon).
- Overuse injury
- Age-related degenerative changes can also lead to partial or complete tear of the gluteal muscles and tendons.
What are the symptoms of a gluteus medius tear?
- Pain on the side of the hip
- Weakness on the affected side of the hip
What are the treatment options for a gluteus medius tear?
Non-surgical options include icing, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and activity modification to decrease pain and inflammation. If a severe tear is present, Dr. Chen may suggest surgical treatment. A torn gluteus medius can be repaired arthroscopically by sewing the torn part of the gluteus medius tendon back to the bone using tiny suture-anchors. This procedure has a high success rate in treating pain, and restoring strength to the gluteus medius muscle.
