Gluteus Medius/Minimus Tears

Anatomy

The hip joint is the junction between the femur (thigh) bone and the pelvis and is referred to as a ball and socket joint. The bony prominence on the outside of the hip is the greater trochanter of the femur. The gluteus medius and minimus are muscles that originate from the pelvis and insert onto the greater trochanter of the femur. These muscles are often referred to as the rotator cuff of the hip and are your hip abductors (move your femur away from midline) and also helps to keep your pelvis level when walking.

What is a Gluteus Medius/Minimus Tear?

Partial or complete tendon tears can occur to the gluteus medius or minimus. This occurs most commonly as we age or can occur in repetitive athletic activities like running or trauma.

Symptoms of Gluteus Medius or Minimus Tears

• Lateral hip pain (pain on the outside of the hip)
• Pain will often wake people up at night if laying on that side
• Pain with walking up or down stairs or running
• Weakness with hip abduction (moving the leg out from midline)
• Dipping of the pelvis when walking to the opposite hip
• Pain when pushing on the outside of the hip

Diagnosing Gluteus Medius and Minimus Tears

A thorough patient history and physical exam can help to identify patients with potential gluteus medius or minimus tears. MRI or ultrasound can help visualize the tear and categorize the severity of the tear. 

Treatment for Gluteus Medius and Minimus Tears

• Activity modifications and rest
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Injections

• Open or endoscopic repair of the tendons