Gluteus Medius
Tears in the gluteus medius (or gluteus minimus) tend are often overlooked on MRI and mistaken for Greater Trochanteric Bursitis.
Patients will frequently have had a cortisone injection or two, with only limited relief. Physical therapy may have been ineffective in eliminating the pain. Weakness with abduction (lifting the leg out to the side) is not common but can be a sign of more significant tearing. The diagnosis is confirmed by physical examination: tenderness at the greater trochanter and also by a high quality MRI.
Surgical treatment of chronic tendonitis or tears of the gluteus medius tendon includes hip arthroscopy, debridement or repair with sutures. This used to be an open surgery, but can now be done safely with a couple of small punctures in the skin.
The rehabilitation after a gluteus medius debridement or repair is not very demanding. Often patients are weight bearing quickly and within a few months may resume activities with the expectation of full recovery.
I would like to thank you sincerely for the great care that you have provided me. I am deeply grateful to both of you and all your wonderful clinic and hospital team.
Dr. Hyman diagnosed my problem right away. I had surgery a couple of months later and now after 2 years I feel like a new person.
Since Dr. Hyman operated on my left hip I’ve been able to walk better, longer, and with better ease than I could ever imagine.
I thank God every day that I had that surgery since I have finally gotten rid of the pain that has kept me awake at night for years.
I appreciate you taking the time to educate me about my injury. I also appreciate the kindness and professionalism of the entire staff at Atlanta Sports Medicine.
Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. For the first time in approximately a year and a half I am pain free.
I appreciate the attentive, professional care and could not envision a better experience. I truly am thankful to be under your care.
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