Gluteus Medius Tear
The gluteus medius is the muscle that abducts the hip, which means moving the leg out to the side away from the body. A patient who has suffered a tear of the gluteus medius tendon, which attaches to the lateral aspect of the hip, may experience buttock pain, pain going up or down stairs, pain felt laterally on hip, and weakness when lifting the hip away from the body.
Gluteus Medius Tears
Pain associated with gluteus medius tears usually resolves over time with conservative treatment. Treatments include NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, etc.) and physical therapy to work on strengthening of surrounding hip musculature. Surgery is indicated when patients have pain and weakness that does not resolve with conservative care. Surgery is usually performed arthroscopically, but open surgery may be required if the tear is large.
