The gluteus medius is critical for hip stability and walking mechanics. Tears of the gluteus medius tendon at the greater trochanter are an increasingly recognized cause of lateral hip pain — often called a "hip rotator cuff" tear due to functional similarities with shoulder rotator cuff injuries.
Dr. Joe Cooper, a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon in Beverly Hills and Brentwood, diagnoses and treats gluteus medius tears using both conservative and surgical approaches.
Who Is Affected?
Gluteus medius tears most commonly affect active women over 40 and runners. They can also occur in younger patients after acute trauma.
Symptoms
- Chronic lateral hip pain, worse when lying on the affected side
- Pain with walking, stairs, or prolonged standing
- Weakness lifting the leg to the side (hip abduction)
- A Trendelenburg gait (hip dropping while walking)
- Tenderness directly over the greater trochanter
Treatment
- Conservative: Physical therapy, PRP or corticosteroid injections, and activity modification
- Surgical repair: Endoscopic or open tendon repair for tears failing conservative management, restoring strength and relieving pain
Contact Dr. Cooper
Contact our Beverly Hills or Brentwood office if you have persistent lateral hip pain.
