Gluteus Tendon or Abductor Tear Repair: Restore Hip Joint Mobility
To help you discuss treatment options with your orthopedic surgeon, here’s a breakdown of Gluteus Tendon Tears/Hip Abductor Tears.
What Is a Gluteus Tendon Tear/Hip Abductor Tear?
Hip abductors are a major group of muscles found in the buttocks and include the gluteal muscles in the buttocks (gluteus medius and gluteal minimus), gluteus maximus, and tensor fascia lata muscles. They are necessary for the stability and movement of the hip joints. When they are damaged, it is known as Gluteus Tendon Tears/Hip Abductor Tears. .
There are causes associated with Gluteal Tendon Tears/Hip Abduction Tears including:
- Traumatic hip injuries
- Hip tendonitis (irritation and swelling of the tendons) from sports-related overuse
- Poor muscle strength
- Age-related degeneration of the tendons
- Injury during total hip replacement surgery
The common symptoms of these tears include:
- Pain and tenderness in the hip region which is usually aggravated by lying on the affected side
- Abnormal gait
- Muscle weakness
What Are the Treatment Options for Gluteus Tendon Tears/Hip Abductor Tears?
Partial tears may be treated by non-invasive therapy without surgery, including
- Modifying your daily activities
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers
- Physical therapy involving strengthening exercises
If non-invasive treatment options fail to improve symptoms surgery may be performed using an open or endoscopic technique.
What Is Endoscopic Gluteus Tendon/Hip Abductor Repair Surgery?
The orthopedic surgeon performs endoscopic gluteus tendon/hip abductor repair surgery according to the following procedure:
- The orthopedic surgeon makes a few small incisions over the hip and creates three portals to access the gluteus tendons.
- The orthopedic surgeon inserts an arthroscope consisting of a tiny camera through one of the portals to view the torn tendon, and passes instruments through the other portals to carry out the procedure.
- The surgeon uses special devices called suture anchors to repair your torn tendons or fix them back to the bone.
- For severely damaged tendons, the surgeon may perform a reconstruction using a gluteus muscle flap or a donated Achilles tendon graft.
What Happens After Gluteus Tendon/Hip Abductor Repair Surgery?
- The patient will use crutches for about eight weeks to decrease stress on the repaired tendon.
- The patient begins physical therapy.
- Healing may take up to four months.
If you are suffering from the symptoms of Gluteus Tendon Tear or Hip Abductor Tear, see how we can help you.