Gluteus Medius Tears Treatment
The gluteal muscles include the gluteus maximus, medius and minimus, all of which support hip and leg function. The gluteus medius is important for stabilizing the hip joint, as well as abduction and rotation. When the gluteus medius is torn, it can impact the stability of the hip and result in limited mobility. Our orthopedic surgeons at DOCS Health offer gluteus medius tears treatment and surgery at our medical center in Los Angeles.
Causes and Symptoms of Gluteus Medius Ruptures
The gluteus medius is attached to the outer side of the pelvis bone and the outside top of the femur bone. This muscle stabilizes the outer side of the hip and allows the hip and leg to abduct, or swing outward. Tear injuries to the gluteus medius usually occur at the lower end of the muscle where it attaches to the top of the femur, an area called the greater trochanter. Causes of gluteus medius tears include high-impact sports injuries, repetitive use, trauma and degenerative disease. Symptoms of a partial or complete gluteus medius rupture include:
- Pain out the outer hip
- Outer hip pain when running, climbing stairs
- Pain from prolonged walking or sitting
- Limping or dropping of non-affected hip while walking
The first treatment recommended for gluteus medius tears is R.I.C.E., or rest, ice, compression and elevation. NSAIDs or steroid injections may be used to relieve inflammation and pain. Support devices may be used to help facilitate walking, such as crutches or a walker.
In severe tears, surgery may be required to repair or reattach the gluteus medius and tendon. This surgery can usually be performed endoscopically through small incisions for a quicker recovery.
If you have sustained an injury to your gluteus medius or hip, contact our orthopedic team at DOCS Health. We offer advanced options for relieving hip pain and repairing gluteus medius tears at our state-of-the-art surgical center in Los Angeles.
Doctors who treat this condition
Unless otherwise indicated, the physician is a member of DOCS Health Medical Group and has medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both. Physicians denoted with an asterisk (*) are independent physicians who are not part of DOCS Health Medical Group, but do have medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both.