Clinical Presentation and Imaging Results of Patients With Symptomatic Gluteus Medius Tears
Authors: Lindner D, Shohat N, Botser I, Agar G, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1093/jhps/hnv035
Purpose:
To characterize clinical symptoms, physical exam findings, imaging results, and intraoperative observations in patients with symptomatic gluteus medius (GM) tears.
Methods:
Retrospective review of 45 patients (47 hips) undergoing GM repair; assessed VAS pain scores, hip-specific function, MR arthrogram (MRA) imaging, and surgical findings.
Key Findings:
- Most patients were middle-aged females with insidious onset of lateral hip pain.
- Average diagnostic delay was 28 months.
- MRA findings ranged from tendinosis to full-thickness tears; radiologist reports often underestimated tear severity compared to surgical findings.
- GM tears are an under-recognized cause of persistent lateral hip pain.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Maintain a high index of suspicion for GM tears in middle-aged patients, particularly females, presenting with chronic lateral hip pain.
- Recognize that MR arthrograms may underestimate tear severity; correlate imaging findings with clinical suspicion and consider early referral for surgical evaluation if appropriate.
- Early diagnosis and intervention can reduce prolonged symptoms and improve patient outcomes.