Gluteus Medius & Minimus Repair

Overview

When nonoperative measures are ineffective for gluteus medius and or minimus tears, surgery may be beneficial. An incision is usually made over the lateral (outside) thigh over the bony prominence called the greater trochanter. The iliotibial band is then incised in line with the skin incision and the torn gluteus medius and minimus tendons are identified. The footprint for these tendons are then prepared and  suture anchors are then placed in the bone  and the sutures passed through the torn tendon and tied down to secure the tendons back to their insertion. In some cases, this procedure may be performed endoscopically rather than through an open approach.

Potential Implications

Blood loss, infection, damage to blood vessels or nerves, failure of repair, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and need for additional surgery.