What is a Hip Abductor Tear?
The hip abductors are a large and important group of muscles. It includes the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fascia lata muscles. These muscles are important for hip function and stability. Tears are relatively common with age. They can range from small, degenerative tears, to larger, complete retracted tears.
What are symptoms of hip abductor tears?
Symptoms typically include pain over the lateral (side) aspect of the hip, over the greater trochanter. With more severe tears, a limp is commonly seen. Diagnosis is made by a comprehensive physical exam and MRI scan.
How are hip abductor tears treated?
The vast majority of hip abductor tears can be treated non-operatively. Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and injections are the mainstays of treatment. Dr. Sweet strongly recommends a dedicated program of formal physical therapy. If extensive non-operative treatment fails, surgical repair is an option. In some cases, if the muscle are irreparable, a muscle transfer (gluteus maximus transfer), can be performed. Dr. Sweet performs both repair and reconstruction, if indicated.
