Imaging of Abductor Tears: Stepwise Technique for Accurate Diagnosis

Imaging of Abductor Tears: Stepwise Technique for Accurate Diagnosis

Authors: Hartigan DE, Perets I, Walsh JP, Domb BG

Journal: Arthrosc Tech. 2017 Oct;6(5):e1523–e1527

DOI: 10.1016/j.eats.2017.06.032 | PMID: 29354468

Background:

Accurate imaging is crucial to diagnose tears of the hip abductor tendons (gluteus medius and minimus), which affect surgical planning.

Key Points:

• Detailed MRI protocol using T2 fat-saturated and T1 sequences improves detection of abductor pathology.
• The imaging criteria help determine if open or arthroscopic repair is appropriate.

Conclusions:

Systematic MRI evaluation reliably identifies abductor tears, guiding optimal surgical approach.

What Does This Mean for Providers?

Implementing this MRI technique can improve diagnostic accuracy and assist in surgical decision-making between arthroscopic versus open repair.