Outcomes of Endoscopic Gluteus Medius Repair: Study of Thirty-four Patients With Minimum Two-Year Follow-up
Authors: Chandrasekaran S, Gui C, Hutchinson MR, Lodhia P, Suarez-Ahedo C, Domb BG
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.N.01229
Purpose:
To assess clinical outcomes after endoscopic repair of partial and full-thickness gluteus medius tears with minimum 2-year follow-up.
Methods:
- 34 patients (mean age 57, mostly female) underwent endoscopic repair between 2009–2012.
- Patient-reported outcomes (mHHS, NAHS, HOS-ADL, HOS-SSS), pain VAS, and satisfaction were collected.
- Compared suture bridge vs transtendinous repair techniques.
Key Findings:
- Significant improvements in all PROs; pain VAS decreased from 6.6 to 2.4 (p < 0.001).
- Mean satisfaction score: 8.5/10.
- 58% of patients with preoperative gait abnormalities regained normal gait.
- No significant difference between repair techniques.
- Four patients required total hip arthroplasty during follow-up.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Endoscopic repair is an effective, minimally invasive option for gluteus medius tears with durable pain relief and functional gains.
- Consider correcting concomitant intra-articular pathology to optimize outcomes.
- Both suture bridge and transtendinous repairs provide comparable results.
- Counsel patients about the possibility of progression to arthroplasty in some cases.