Diagnostic Accuracy of a New Clinical Test (Resisted Internal Rotation) for Detection of Gluteus Medius Tears
Authors: Ortiz-Declet V, Chen AW, Maldonado DR, Yuen LC, Mu B, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1093/jhps/hnz046
Background
Gluteus medius tears are a frequent but challenging cause of lateral hip pain, often underdiagnosed due to subtle clinical signs.
Methods
This study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the resisted internal rotation test compared to other clinical exams, MRI, and arthroscopic findings in 50 patients with confirmed GM tears and 50 asymptomatic controls.
Key Findings
- The resisted internal rotation test showed high sensitivity (92%) and specificity (85%) for detecting gluteus medius tears.
- It outperformed traditional clinical tests in diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusions
The resisted internal rotation test is a reliable clinical tool to accurately detect gluteus medius tears.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
Incorporate the resisted internal rotation test into your physical exam repertoire when evaluating patients with lateral hip pain. This test can improve diagnostic accuracy for GM tears, enabling earlier and more targeted interventions and potentially reducing reliance on costly imaging. Familiarity with this test enhances clinical decision-making in the outpatient setting.