Gluteus Medius Tear

Gluteus Medius Tear

The gluteus medius is one of the major muscles of the hip and plays a key role in lower-body movement and pelvic stability. It originates from the top of the pelvic bone and attaches to the outer part of the thigh bone (femur) at the greater trochanter through the gluteus medius tendon. As an important hip abductor, it helps control side-to-side hip movement and stabilizes the pelvis during walking.

A gluteus medius tear occurs when the muscle or tendon is overstretched or overloaded, leading to a partial or complete rupture. These tears most commonly occur where the tendon attaches to the greater trochanter.

Overview

Gluteus medius tears often result from excessive strain at the tendon’s attachment point. This condition can range from a mild strain to a full-thickness tendon rupture. Because the gluteus medius is critical for hip stability, an untreated tear can significantly affect walking, balance, and overall mobility.

Causes

Gluteus medius tears are frequently seen in runners and athletes involved in high-impact sports such as basketball or soccer. Common causes include:

• Sudden bursts of activity
• Poor flexibility or muscle imbalance
• Overuse injuries from repetitive motion
• Traumatic events such as a fall
• Degenerative changes in the tendon over time

These factors can weaken the tendon and lead to tearing.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of a gluteus medius tear include:

• Pain and tenderness on the outer side of the hip
• Pain that worsens with running, climbing stairs, prolonged walking, sitting, or lying on the affected side
• Weakness when lifting the leg outward
• Difficulty stabilizing the pelvis during walking
• A Trendelenburg sign, where the pelvis drops toward the unaffected side due to an inability to bear weight properly

Symptoms may progress gradually or appear suddenly after an injury.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis begins with a physical examination to evaluate tenderness, strength, and gait abnormalities. Special tests, including the single-leg squat test or Trendelenburg test, can help confirm the diagnosis. Imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound may be used to identify the location and severity of the tear.

Non-Surgical Treatment

The goal of treatment is to restore normal strength and function of the gluteus medius. Conservative care may include:

• RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
• Anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections
• Physical therapy focused on strength and flexibility
• Using a pillow between the legs while sleeping
• Avoiding positions that overstretch the muscle
• Temporary use of a cane or crutches to reduce pain during walking

These options can relieve pain and promote healing for partial tears.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be recommended for full-thickness gluteus medius tears or when conservative treatment does not provide improvement. The procedure is often performed endoscopically through small incisions to reattach the tendon to the greater trochanter. Surgical repair helps restore strength, stability, and long-term function of the hip.

Benton A. Emblom, MD

Benton A. Emblom, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic sports medicine surgeon who specializes in hip preservation and the treatment of gluteus medius tears. He has extensive experience caring for athletes and active individuals who depend on strong hip function for daily movement and performance.

Dr. Emblom serves as a head team orthopaedic physician for Auburn University, the University of Alabama, Hoover High School, and several additional high schools in the region. His expertise in hip preservation allows patients with gluteus medius tears to receive comprehensive evaluations and advanced treatment options tailored to their needs.

If you believe you may have a gluteus medius tear or another hip condition, and would like to request an appointment with Dr. Emblom, call (205) 939-3699 and ask to speak with his appointment scheduler.

To request an appointment online, CLICK HERE or contact Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center at (205) 939-3699 for assistance.