Gluteus Medius Tears: Treatment Options

Gluteus Medius Tears: Treatment Options

Because most gluteus medius tendon tears occur gradually over time, nonsurgical treatment is almost always recommended. This involves resting from aggravating activities, like strenuous exercise and prolonged walking or running, especially on uneven surfaces. Activity modification, which includes avoiding lying on the affected side and sitting with crossed legs, can also help. Physical therapy plays an important role in improving the strength and stability of the hips to decrease irritation at the gluteus medius tendons.

Applying ice to the hip and taking anti-inflammatory medication can also be used to help manage pain. When symptoms continue, a health care provider may suggest an injection at the side of the hip for further pain relief. If a patient continues to have symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life after trying nonsurgical treatment for 3 or more months, surgery may be an option. Surgery for a gluteus medius tendon tear involves using sutures and anchors to tack down the torn part of the tendon back to the thigh bone.

This procedure is performed with a patient lying on their back or on their side, and can be performed either through an open incision or endoscopically with a tiny camera through small incisions called portals. After surgery, patients will wear a hip brace for several weeks to limit movement of the leg to allow the tendon repair to heal. Patients often have limited weight-bearing in the beginning weeks after surgery and typically will use crutches or another assistive device to walk.

Patients will also attend physical therapy to gradually reduce the use of braces and crutches to restore a normal walking pattern and build up the strength to return to daily activities over a few months.