The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics
Maryland Orthopedic Specialists
A Division of The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics
Expertise · Trust · Access
Hip

Gluteus Medius / Minimus Tendon Tears

Gluteus medius and minimus tendon tears are among the most under-recognized causes of chronic lateral hip pain — often misdiagnosed for years as trochanteric bursitis. Sometimes called the "rotator cuff of the hip," these tendons anchor your primary hip abductor muscles to the greater trochanter, controlling pelvic stability with every step. At Maryland Orthopedic Specialists, our team evaluates and treats the full spectrum of gluteal tendon pathology, from tendinopathy managed with targeted rehabilitation to complete tears requiring surgical repair.

Ready to get started?

Schedule an appointment with a specialist experienced in treating gluteus medius / minimus tendon tears.

Schedule Now
or call (301) 515-0900

In-network with most major insurance plans. Same-day appointments available for acute injuries.

What is gluteus medius / minimus tendon tears?

The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles originate from the outer surface of the ilium and insert via broad, flat tendons onto the greater trochanter of the femur. They are the principal hip abductors — muscles that hold the pelvis level during single-leg stance (walking, climbing stairs).

The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles originate from the outer surface of the ilium and insert via broad, flat tendons onto the greater trochanter of the femur. They are the principal hip abductors — muscles that hold the pelvis level during single-leg stance (walking, climbing stairs).

Like the rotator cuff of the shoulder, these tendons are subject to degenerative tearing at their bony insertion, often without a clear traumatic event. Tears are classified as:

  • Tendinopathy (no structural tear): Intrinsic tendon degeneration causing pain and weakness without macroscopic disruption
  • Partial-thickness tear: A portion of the tendon footprint is torn
  • Full-thickness (complete) tear: The entire tendon is detached from the greater trochanter

Who is affected? Gluteal tendon tears are significantly more common in women than men, particularly in the perimenopausal age group (50–70 years). Risk factors include prior lateral hip surgery, prolonged corticosteroid use, obesity, and a history of trochanteric bursitis injections.

Distinguishing from bursitis: Trochanteric bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy/tears frequently co-exist and can be clinically difficult to separate. Persistent lateral hip pain with significant abductor weakness strongly suggests tendon pathology beyond simple bursitis.

Treatment options

Non-Operative Treatments

Physical therapy is the cornerstone of non-operative management and is effective for tendinopathy and partial tears. Key elements include: Hip abductor strengthening (progressive loading — isometric → isotonic → functional) Load management: avoiding hip adduction postures (sitting cross-legged, standing with hip dropped) Core and lumbopelvic stabilization Activity modification during the acute phase Corticosteroid injection: Ultrasound-guided injection into the trochanteric bursa reduces acute inflammation. However, repeated corticosteroid injections may weaken tendon tissue — generally limited to 2–3 per year. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP injection at the tendon insertion delivers growth factors that promote tendon healing. Increasingly preferred over corticosteroid for patients with documented tendinopathy or partial tearing, given its potential regenerative mechanism and lack of tendon-weakening effects.

Surgical Procedure

Gluteus Medius / Minimus Repair

Endoscopic repair of abductor tendon tears at their footprint on the greater trochanter — a frequently missed cause of lateral hip pain and weakness — using suture anchors to restore secure attachment.

Click for more Surgical Procedure

Hip Arthroscopy

Minimally invasive hip scope performed at our ambulatory surgery center, addressing labral tears, cartilage defects, femoroacetabular impingement, loose bodies, and synovial disease through small portals with same-day discharge.

Click for more

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gluteal tendon tear the same as trochanteric bursitis?
No, though they often co-exist. Bursitis refers to inflammation of the fluid-filled sac over the greater trochanter. Tendon tears involve structural disruption of the gluteus medius or minimus. Many patients labeled with "bursitis" actually have underlying tendon pathology that requires targeted treatment.
Can a complete tear heal without surgery?
Tendon tissue cannot reliably reconstitute itself once fully torn. Non-operative care may reduce pain but is unlikely to restore full abductor strength or resolve a Trendelenburg gait from a complete tear. Surgery provides the best opportunity for functional restoration.
Will I need a general anesthetic for the repair?
Most gluteal tendon repairs are performed under general or spinal anesthesia as outpatient surgery. You will go home the same day with crutches.
How do I know if my PT program is working?
Measurable improvement in hip abductor strength, reduction in Trendelenburg gait, and decreased lateral hip pain at 8–12 weeks indicate a positive response to conservative care.
How long does recovery take after gluteal tendon repair surgery?
Recovery after endoscopic or open gluteal tendon repair is gradual and typically takes six to nine months to reach full function. For the first six weeks, weight-bearing is allowed but hip abductor loading is strictly limited to protect the repair. Formal physical therapy then focuses on progressive strengthening of the hip abductors, core, and pelvis, with return to unrestricted activity expected around the six-month mark. Your MOS surgeon will monitor tendon healing and guide your rehabilitation to ensure the repair matures fully before high-demand activities are resumed.

Meet the specialists

John J. Christoforetti, MD

John J. Christoforetti, MD

Orthopedic Surgery · Sports Medicine · Hip Preservation Surgery

Meet Dr. Christoforetti →

Related conditions

Hip Osteoarthritis
Medically reviewed by John J. Christoforetti, MD, MD, FAAOS
Last reviewed May 1, 2026

References

  1. Domb BG, Nasser RM, Botser IB. Partial-thickness tears of the gluteus medius: rationale and technique for trans-tendinous endoscopic repair. Arthroscopy. 2010;26(12):1697–1705. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2010.06.002
  2. Grimaldi A, Mellor R, Hodges P, Bennell K, Wajswelner H, Vicenzino B. Gluteal tendinopathy: a review of mechanisms, assessment and management. Sports Med. 2015;45(8):1107–1119. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0336-5
  3. Lachiewicz PF. Abductor tendon tears of the hip: evaluation and management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2011;19(7):385–391. https://doi.org/10.5435/00124635-201107000-00001
  4. Walsh MJ, Walton JR, Walsh NA. Surgical repair of the gluteal tendons: a report of 72 cases. J Arthroplasty. 2011;26(8):1514–1519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2010.12.004
  5. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome. OrthoInfo. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/hip-bursitis/