Gluteal tendon repair is an operation to reattach torn gluteus medius and/or minimus tendons to the greater trochanter. These tears are increasingly recognised as a major cause of lateral hip pain and hip abductor weakness.
An incision is made over the greater trochanter on the outer hip. The torn tendons are identified, mobilised, and reattached to the bone using suture anchors. A bursectomy (removal of the inflamed bursa) is usually performed at the same time. The procedure may be performed open or endoscopically. The operation takes one to one and a half hours.
Surgery is recommended for significant gluteal tendon tears causing lateral hip pain, abductor weakness (Trendelenburg gait — waddling), and disability that has not responded to physiotherapy and injection.
Physiotherapy (structured gluteal strengthening programme), corticosteroid injection, shockwave therapy, PRP injection, and activity modification. Many patients improve with non-operative treatment.
MRI confirming the tear. Ultrasound may be used. Pre-operative physiotherapy (prehabilitation) improves outcomes.
Pain relief and improved abductor strength. Reduction or elimination of the Trendelenburg lurch. Most patients report significant improvement.
Soreness over the repair site for several months.
No active abduction or side-lying on the operated hip for six weeks.
The repair may fail, particularly with large or chronic tears.
Thigh numbness.
Wound infection.
Rare fracture of the greater trochanter.
General or spinal anaesthesia.
Crutches for six weeks. No active abduction for six weeks. Sleep on the non-operated side for six weeks. Physiotherapy from two weeks — initially passive, then gradually active. Full recovery six to nine months.
Reviews at two weeks, six weeks, and three months.
Yes — it is often called a 'rotator cuff tear of the hip.' The gluteal tendons function similarly to the rotator cuff, and tears cause similar pain and weakness patterns.
Gluteal tendon tears were historically misdiagnosed as 'trochanteric bursitis.' MRI has improved recognition that the tendons, not just the bursa, are the primary problem.