Hip Abductor Tears Research Articles

RADIOLOGICAL PREDICTORS OF HIP ABDUCTOR TEARS

Hip abductor tears(AT) have long been under-recognized, under-reported and under-treated. There is a paucity of data on the prevalence, morphology and associated factors. Patients with “rotator cuff tears of the hip” that are recognized and repaired during total hip arthroplasty(THA) report comparable outcomes to patients with intact abductor tendons at THA.The study was a retrospective review of 997 primary THA done by a single surgeon from 2012–2022. Incidental findings of AT identified during the anterolateral approach to the hip were documented with patient name, gender, age and diagnosis. The extent and size of the tears of the Gluteus medius and Minimus were recorded. Xrays and MRI's were collected for the 140 patients who had AT and matched 1:1 with respect to age and gender against 140 patients that had documented good muscle quality and integrity. Radiographic measurements (Neck shaft angle, inter-teardrop distance, Pelvis width, trochanteric width and irregularities, bodyweight moment arm and abductor moment arm) were compared between the 2 groups in an effort to determine if any radiographic feature would predict AT.The prevalence of AT were 14%. Females had statistically more tears than males(18vs10%), while patients over the age of 70y had statistically more tears overall(19,7vs10,4%), but also more Gluteus Medius tears specifically(13,9vs5,3%). Radiographic measurements did not statistically differ between the tear and control group, except for the presence of trochanteric irregularities. MRI's showed that 50% of AT were missed and subsequently identified during surgery.Abductor tears are still underrecognized and undertreated during THA which can results in inferior outcomes. The surgeon should have an high index of suspicion in elderly females with trochanteric irregularities and although an MRI for every patient won't be feasible, one should always be prepared and equipped to repair the abductor tendons during THA.

Management of Hip Abductor Tears and Recalcitrant Trochanteric Bursitis in Native Hips.

Hip abductor tears have recently gained recognition as a more prevalent injury than previously thought. This article will detail the pathophysiology of injury, physical symptoms commonly found at presentation, diagnostic imaging to best diagnose tears and when they should be ordered, and how to properly classify the injury and finally summarize the treatment options available with expert opinions about which are most successful.

Prevalence of Contralateral Hip Abductor Tears and Factors Associated With Symptomatic Progression

Background: Patients with gluteus medius tendinopathy present with laterally based hip pain that can be diagnosed under the greater trochanteric pain syndrome diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can assist in diagnosing pathology of the symptomatic hip, and when a pelvic MRI that includes both hips, the clinician may identify asymptomatic tears in the nonsurgical hip. In patients who undergo unilateral gluteus medius repairs, little is known about the prevalence or subsequent onset of clinical symptoms in the nonsurgical hip. Purpose: To describe (1) the prevalence of asymptomatic contralateral gluteus medius tears in patients with unilateral symptoms, (2) the presentation and time before symptom onset, and (3) the morphological characteristics on MRI of future symptomatic tears. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 51 consecutive patients who underwent gluteus medius tear surgery were reviewed for contralateral hip pathology; of these, 43 patients were 2 years out from index surgery with reviewable preoperative MRI scans. A musculoskeletal radiologist reviewed the MRI scans for tear size, tendon retraction, and fatty infiltration using the Goutallier-Fuchs grading system. Medical record review identified contralateral hips requiring subsequent treatment. Results: Of the original 43 patients, 10 (23%) had no contralateral tear, 19 (44%) had low-grade partial tears, 9 (20%) had high-grade partial tears, and 5 (11%) had full-thickness tears. Thirty-seven patients had unilateral symptoms; the other 6 had mild contralateral hip pain at enrollment. Of the 37 patients with unilateral symptoms, 27 (73%) had a contralateral tear; of those, 10 became symptomatic at an average of 24 months after index presentation (range, 6-50 months). In patients with symptomatic progression, 7 had low-grade partial tears, 1 had a high-grade partial tear, and 2 had full-thickness tears, with an average retraction of 17 mm. Tendon tear grade on MRI did not always correlate with symptoms or future presentation. All symptomatic progression remained mild to moderate. Seven patients required a corticosteroid injection, and none needed contralateral hip surgery within 2 years. Conclusion: Of patients who underwent surgery for a gluteus medius tear, 73% (27/37) had an incidental MRI-confirmed contralateral hip abductor tear. Of these, 37% (10/27) developed symptoms consistent with greater trochanteric pain syndrome during the 2-year study period.

Rehabilitation After Gluteus Medius and Minimus Treatment

We reviewed the current literature regarding rehabilitation after gluteus medius and minimus tears as part of a conservative management or postoperative protocol. The greater trochanteric pain syndrome includes a constellation of pathologies that generate pain in the greater trochanteric region and may be accompanied by varying degrees of hip abductor disfunction. It may be related to tendinitis of the gluteus medius and minimus, greater trochanteric bursitis, or even formal tears of the hip abductor tendons. The initial management strategy of the hip abductor tears is conservative, including different anti-inflammatory therapies such as physical therapy and cortisone and platelet-rich plasma injections. The clearest indication for surgical management is failure of conservative management and loss of abductor muscle power. Surgical management has been performed both open and endoscopic with good reported clinical results. More severe tears typically require a more rigid and complex type of fixation. Exorcise intervention seem to improve symptoms after 4 months to a year of therapy therefore a very close supervision of the rehabilitation protocol is mandatory. Gluteus medius and minimus tears are frequent and may be not diagnosed timely. Treatment of these of lesions is based on the knowledge of pathomechanics involved and the extent of injury to the tendon and muscle tissue. Conservative management is based on protecting the hip abductor tendons from excessive tensile and compression stresses while applying progressive load in conjunction with physical and medical anti-inflammatory measures. Surgical treatment is indicated when conservative management fails or an abductor power deficit is associated with pain. Similar physical therapy protocols to those used in conservative management are used postoperatively. Level of EvidenceLevel V, expert opinion.

Open Hip Abductor Repair Hitting the Sack-Abductor Tendon Repair Significantly Improves Sleep Quality.

Purpose: To (1) describe the prevalence of abnormal sleep quality in patients with hip abductor tears (HAT), to (2) determine whether sleep quality improves after open HAT repair, and to (3) to report clinical short-term outcomes in patients undergoing open HAT repair. Methods: The data of 28 patients (29 hips) who underwant open HAT repair were prospectively analyzed at midterm follow-up. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the University of California, Los Angeles activity scale (UCLA), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain were determined via questionnaire. Paired t-tests were applied to compare preoperative and post-operative Patient-reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). Logistic regression was performed to determine the association between PSQI improvement achievement and demographic variables (laterality, sex, age, body-mass-index (BMI), and preoperative mHHS). The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated for the mHHS. Results: A total of 28 patients were included. Four patients (14.3%) suffered post-operative complications after open HAT repair. The predominance of patients was female (77.4%), with a mean age of 60 ± 13 years. The average follow-up was 30.35 ± 16.62 months. Preoperatively, 27 (96.4%) patients experienced poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5); at follow-up, 7 (25%) patients experienced poor sleep quality. Univariate logistical regression analysis demonstrated no significant association between preoperative demographic data and achieving postoperative PSQI < 5. The MCID of mHHS was calculated to be 12.5. Overall, 90% of patients achieved MCID for mHHS. Conclusion: Preoperative sleep quality was impaired in 96.4% of HAT patients (PSQI > 5). However, these patients showed an improvement in sleep disturbances after open HAT repair in the early postoperative period. Ninety percent of patients showed significant improvements in mHHS and achieved the corresponding MCID. Level of Evidence: Case series; Level IV.

Influence of Fatty Infiltration on Hip Abductor Repair Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Increasing evidence supports surgical intervention for hip abductor tears; however, the influence of fatty infiltration (FI) on outcomes after repair remains uncertain and has been addressed only in small case series. Purpose: To clarify the relationship between FI and surgical outcomes for hip abductor tears. Study Design: Meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. FI severity was assessed by Goutallier-Fuchs (G-F) grade. The relationship between FI and improvement in Harris Hip Score (HHS)/modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain was examined with mixed-effects metaregression. Outcomes with open and endoscopic techniques were also compared. Results: A total of 4 studies (206 repairs in 201 patients) were eligible. High-grade FI was associated with significantly less improvement in HHS/mHHS than both no FI (6.761 less; 95% CI, 3.983-11.570; P = .002) and low-grade FI (7.776 less; 95% CI, 2.460-11.062; P < .001) but did not significantly influence VAS score (P > .05). Controlling for FI severity, we found no significant difference in HHS/mHHS improvement between open versus endoscopic repair (P > .05 at each level), but open repair resulted in significantly greater improvement in VAS score for every G-F grade (all P < .005). Conclusion: Surgical intervention for symptomatic hip abductor tendon tears improved outcomes as reflected by change in HHS/mHHS; however, the presence of high-grade FI resulted in less improvement. FI severity did not influence VAS scores for pain. Although no differences were found between open and endoscopic repairs in terms of FI-adjusted improvement in HHS/mHHS, open repairs resulted in significantly greater pain relief at each FI level.

Defining Minimal Clinically Important Difference After Open Hip Abductor Repair.

Background:Open repair for gluteus medius and minimus tears is a common surgical treatment for patients with lateral hip pain associated with abductor tears; however, clinically meaningful outcomes have not been described after open surgical treatment.Purpose:To define the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients undergoing open gluteus medius or minimus repair, and to identify preoperative patient characteristics predictive of achieving MCID postoperatively.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:A retrospective review of prospectively collected data from a consecutive series of patients undergoing open abductor repair between July 2010 and April 2019 was conducted. Perioperative patient data collected included patient characteristics and preoperative and postoperative modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33) score. Paired t tests were utilized to compare preoperative and postoperative PROMs and MCID was calculated for both PROMs. Multivariate logistical regression analysis was used to assess the association between preoperative variables and the likelihood for achieving MCID.Results:A total of 47 patients were included in the study. The majority of patients were female (78.7%), with an average age of 63 ± 10.7 years. The average follow-up for both the mHHS and the iHOT-33 surveys was 37.8 ± 27.9 months (range, 10-102 months). Patients demonstrated statistically significant improvements on the mHHS and iHOT-33 postoperatively (P < .001 for both). The MCIDs of mHHS and iHOT-33 were calculated to be 9.9 and 14.3, respectively. Overall, 82.9% of patients achieved MCID for mHHS and 84.1% of patients achieved MCID for iHOT-33 postoperatively. Multivariate logistical analysis demonstrated younger patients were less likely to achieve MCID for both outcome measures. Four patients (8.5%) suffered postoperative complications after open repair.Conclusion:This study defined MCID for mHHS and iHOT-33 for patients undergoing open repair of hip abductor tears, with a large percentage of patients (>80%) achieving meaningful outcomes for both outcome measures. There was a low complication rate. Younger patients were less likely to achieve MCID compared with older patients.

Development of a Predictive Algorithm for Symptomatic Hip Abductor Tears in Patients Undergoing Primary Hip Arthroscopy

Background: Patients presenting with lateral hip pain may pose a difficult diagnostic challenge, as pain can be due to various causes. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to identify risk factors and predictors for symptomatic hip abductor tears in a cohort of patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. We hypothesized that body mass index (BMI), female sex, age, and presence of chondral damage would be significant predictors of hip abductor pathologies. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. Patients were included if they underwent primary hip arthroscopy between March 2009 and December 2019. Patients with Tönnis grade >1, previous hip conditions, incomplete radiographic data, or open procedures were excluded. All demographic variables, intraoperative measurements, and radiographic measurements were assessed using a bivariate analysis. A stepwise logistic regression was used to determine predictive variables. Results: In total, 255 hips with a hip abductor tear that underwent hip arthroscopy and 2106 hips without a tear that underwent hip arthroscopy were included. The stepwise logistic regression successfully created a predictive model using age, sex, BMI, lateral joint space, and alpha angle as variables. The efficiency of the predictive model was 90.7%, with an area under the curve of 0.894. The odds of having a hip abductor tear were 7.41 times higher in females (odds ratio [OR], 7.41; 95% CI, 4.61-11.9). Each additional year of age was associated with a 13.7% (OR, 1.137; 95% CI, 1.12-1.16) increase in the odds of having a tear. Similarly, with each 1-unit increase in BMI, the odds of having a tear increased by 3.4% (OR, 1.034; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06). Conclusion: This study successfully created a predictive model that identified female sex (OR, 7.41), increasing age (OR, 1.137 for each year), and increased BMI (OR, 1.034 for each unit of BMI) as significant independent predictors of the presence of hip abductor tears in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. This model can be used in support of physical examination and imaging suggestive of hip abductor pathology to preoperatively identify the probability of a symptomatic hip abductor tear in these patients.

The pathological features of hip abductor tendon tears \u2013 a cadaveric study

BackgroundThe hip abductors are crucial in maintaining pelvic stability. Tears in these tendons are common and often debilitating. There is uncertainty regarding both the histological and macroscopic features of hip abductor tears. This study aims to clarify both the macroscopic and microscopic features of the tendon and enthesis in hip abductor tendon tears.MethodsThirty-six cadavers with an average age of 81 were dissected, and the hip abductor mechanisms removed en-bloc. The presence, location and size of the tears were recorded and analysed. The samples were processed into histological blocks and viewed using both transmitted and polarised light. Tendon histology was graded using the modified Movin’s score in three sections (deep, middle and superficial layers) and the enthesis graded separately using 5-point criteria. Analysis of variance was used to confirm histological features associated with tears.ResultsTears were found in 24 of 36 samples (67%). The most common finding was an isolated tear in the gluteus minimus (46%), followed by concurrent gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tears (33%). Histology revealed significantly more degeneration in both the tendon (p = 0.0005) and enthesis (p = 0.0011) when tears were present. Furthermore, these changes were concentrated in the deeper layers of the tendon (p = 0.0002) and enthesis (p = 0.003).ConclusionThis study demonstrated degeneration as the primary pathology underlying hip abductor tendon tears. Degenerative changes occur in both the tendon and enthesis, with the deeper layers predominantly affected. These findings are important for guiding surgical repair techniques and to aid the development of novel materials and biologics.

A Technique for Endoscopic in Situ Repair of Undersurface Hip Abductor Tears

Endoscopic repair of hip abductor tendons has been shown to have equivalent outcomes and lower complication rates compared with open repair. First reported in 2007, endoscopic repair has become more frequent, with multiple techniques previously described. Frequently, hip abductor tears involve a partial-thickness undersurface component that has been previously addressed endoscopically by making a longitudinal split in the tendon to access the diseased tissue. However, we present a technique for addressing these undersurface tears in situ, accessing the undersurface of the tear by coming under the distal anterior edge of the gluteus medius tendon.

Hip abductor tears in ischiofemoral impingement.

Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) is associated with abnormalities of the quadratus femoris muscle and narrowing of the ischiofemoral (IF) and quadratus femoris (QF) spaces. The hip abductors play an important role in pelvic stability and abductor tears might play a role in the pathophysiology of IFI. The purpose of our study was to assess the association between hip abductor tears and IFI on MRI. The study was IRB approved and HIPAA compliant. Inclusion criteria were MRI findings of IFI (narrowing of the IF space ≤ 15mm or QF space ≤ 10mm with associated ipsilateral quadratus femoris edema or fatty infiltration/atrophy). Two MSK radiologists assessed hip/pelvic MRIs and integrity of the tensor fascia lata, gluteus medius, and minimus tendons. IFI and control groups were compared with a two-tailed Student t test or chi-squared test. We identified 140 patients with MRI findings of IFI (mean age 56 ± 13years, 130 f, 10m) and 140 controls of similar age and sex. Patients with IFI had a higher prevalence of gluteus medius/minimus partial tears (37 vs 21, p = 0.02) and full-thickness tears (24 vs 21, p = 0.03). Patients with IFI had a higher prevalence and higher grade of gluteal muscle atrophy compared with controls (p < 0.03). There were no tears of the tensor fascia lata in either group. Patients with IFI had a higher prevalence of abductor tears and abductor muscle atrophy compared with matched controls. This suggests that abductor tears might play a role in the pathophysiology of IFI.

Gluteus Maximus Transfer for Irreparable Hip Abductor Tendon Tears: Technique and Clinical Outcomes

Hip abductor tears are increasingly recognized as a common source of lateral hip pain. Primary repair has generally shown excellent results. However, where repair is not possible or advanced muscle atrophy is present, few reconstructive options are available. Here we present the technique and results of a simplified method for transfer of the gluteus maximus tendon to the greater trochanter. Patients undergoing gluteus maximus tendon transfer were identified from our institution hip preservation registry. Electronic health records, imaging, and clinical examination findings were recorded for each patient and analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcome scores were also collected for each patient including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score-Activity of Daily Living Scale (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score-Sports Scale (HOS-S), and the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33). Six patients met inclusion criteria. All patients exhibited a Trendelenburg gait before surgery, and mean hip abduction strength preoperatively was 3.8/5. At final clinical follow-up, all patients had 5/5 hip abduction strength on manual muscle testing. No patient experienced a surgical complication. Three of the 6 patients had complete resolution of their Trendelenburg gait. At mean 3.8 years follow-up, mean improvement in HOS-ADL was 16.91, HOS-Sport=24.71, mHHS=18.42, and iHOT-33=42.74.

Single- Versus Double-Row Repair of Hip Abductor Tears: A Biomechanical Matched Cadaver Study

The purposes of this study were (1) to evaluate the percentage of gluteus medius and minimus tendon footprint restoration that can be achieved with fixation using single-row repair versus double-row repair and (2) to evaluate the yield load of a repair of the gluteus medius and minimus tendon using single-row versus double-row repair techniques. Twelve human fresh-frozen cadaveric hip specimens (6 matched pairs, 4 female, mean age 47.5 ± 14.5years) were tested. Specimens were excluded if they had any prior hip surgery or injury, if any abnormality of the tendon was noted on dissection, or if they had a body mass index <20 or >35 or a T-score <2.0 on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scanning. Matched pairs were randomized to receive either double-row repair with 2 standard suture anchors and 2knotless anchor devices or a single-row repair with suture anchors only. The percentage of the footprint area covered after repair was determined using a computer-assisted digitization algorithm. With a mechanical testing system, each repaired specimen was tested for mechanical strength first with cyclic loading and then load to failure testing. Footprint coverage of the lateral facet was significantly greater for double-row repair (mean 76.6%) compared with single-row repair (mean 50.3%) (P= .03). There was no significant difference between single- and double-row repair for posterior-superior or anterior facet coverage. Mechanical testing showed a higher mean yield load for double-row anchor repair (197.6 ± 61.7N vs 163.5 ± 35.4N for single-row repair), but this did not reach statistical significance (P= .15). The predominant mode of failure was suture pullout through the musculotendinous unit (9/12 specimens: 5 double-row and 4 single-row). For hip abductor tears, double-row suture repair yields improved footprint coverage compared with single-row repair. Although it did not reach statistical significance, there was a higher mean yield load in the double-row group. Double-row suture fixation technique for hip abductor tears maximizes strength and footprint coverage of the repair.

Endoscopic repair of hip abductor tears: outcomes with two-year follow-up.

Abductor lesions are increasingly recognized as a source of recalcitrant laterally based hip pain and dysfunction. There is a growing body of evidence that many of these may be amenable to endoscopic repair. To report the demographic data and outcomes of endoscopic hip abductor repair. Twelve patients underwent endoscopic abductor repair with 2-year follow-up. These patients were prospectively assessed with modified Harris hip and iHOT scores. The indications for surgery were clinical and MRI findings of symptomatic abductor tears that had failed conservative treatment. All patients underwent concomitant or prior arthroscopy of the joint. Repair was performed with suture anchors using an iliotibial band-sparing endoscopic technique; followed by a 4-month structured rehabilitation protocol. Follow-up was obtained on all patients at 24 months. The average age was 56 years (range 39–77 years). These were all females. All demonstrated improved modified Harris hip scores, averaging 43 points (preop 42; postop 85). Eleven of 12 (92%) demonstrated improved iHOT scores, averaging 52 points (preop 21; postop 73). Ten patients had accompanying intra-articular pathology including 10 labral tears, 7 chondral lesions, 6 synovitis and 1 pincer impingement. There were no complications, and none underwent further surgery. Abductor tears of the hip can be clinically relevant and respond well to endoscopic repair. This tends to be a disorder of older females who present with severe disability, reflected by low preoperative modified Harris hip scores, and demonstrate significant, although incomplete, improvement.

Endoscopic Repair of Hip Abductor Tears: Outcomes with One to Two-Year Follow-Up

Endoscopic Repair of Hip Abductor Tears: Outcomes with One to Two-Year Follow-Up

Application of the Goutallier/Fuchs Classification to the Evaluation of Hip Abductor Tendons Tears and the Correlation with Outcome Following Repair

As in the shoulder, abductor tendon tears of the hip can lead to atrophy and fatty infiltration of the affected muscle belly. In this study we apply the Goutallier/Fuchs classification to the evaluation of tears involving the gluteus minimus and medius tendons, measure the reliability and reproducibility of this technique and assess for correlation between preoperative muscle grade and postoperative outcome. Preoperative MRI images of 30 consecutive hip abductor tears (27 females, 3 males) were retrospectively reviewed at three different time points by three independent observers, and the abductor muscles assigned a grade according to the Goutallier/Fuchs classification. All patients (mean 62 years) underwent endoscopic abductor tendon repair by a single fellowship trained surgeons. Patient-rated outcome scores including the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Score (HOOS), modified Harris Hip Scale (mHHS) and Visual Analog Scale (pain) were collected pre and at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. The intra- and interobserver reliability for muscle grading was calculated. Postoperative outcome measures were compared to preoperative muscle grading to assess for correlation. Over seventy-five percent of hips were classified as stage 1 (n = 15) or stage 2 (n = 8). Interobserver reliability and intraobserver repeatability of the classification technique averaged 0.872 and 0.916, respectively. Two patients (Grade 3 and 4) failed repair and underwent muscle transfer. In the remaining 28 hips, improvement was seen in VAS score (6.1 vs 1.7, p<0.005). The Goutallier/Fuchs classification system can be reliably and reproducibly applied to the evaluation of abductor tendon tears of the hip and appears to correlate with patient-rated outcome following repair.

Clinical presentation and imaging results of patients with symptomatic gluteus medius tears.

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common complaint. Recently, it has become well recognized that tendinopathy and tears of the gluteus medius (GM) are a cause of recalcitrant GTPS. Nevertheless, the clinical syndrome associated with GM tears is not fully characterized. We characterize the clinical history, findings on physical examination, imaging and intraoperative findings associated with symptomatic GM tears. Forty-five patients (47 hips) who underwent GM repair for the diagnosis of tear were evaluated. Pain was estimated on the visual analog scale (VAS) and hip-specific scores were administered to assess functional status. The imaging modalities were reviewed and intra operative findings were recorded. The average patient age was 54 years (17–76), 93% were females. Symptom onset was commonly insidious (75%) and the average time to diagnosis was 28 months (2–240). The most common pain location was the lateral hip (75%). The average pre-surgery VAS and modified Harris Hip Score were 6.65 (0–10) and 55.5 (12–90), respectively. All patients had pathological findings on magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) ranging from tendinosis to complete tears of the GM tendon. There was a discrepancy between MRA interpretation by a radiologist and findings during surgery. Hip abductor tears are an under-recognized cause of hip pain and hip symptomatology. In this study, we further characterize the clinical presentation of this entity. The data we present here may facilitate early diagnosis, early orthopedic care and avoid unnecessary prolonged patient sufferings.

MRI and clinical analysis of hip abductor repair.

Hip abductor insufficiency is often associated with lateral hip pain, movement disorder and Trendelenburg gait. The aims of this study are to predict if preoperative radiological findings correlate with postoperative outcomes and if pre and postoperative radiological findings correlate with postoperative function. Patients with clinical and MRI evidence of hip abductor tears that had failed to nonoperative treatment underwent surgical repair. Pre and postoperative MRI analysis was carried out by an experienced musculo-skeletal radiologist. Clinical analysis consisted of Harris Hip Score, a measure of patient satisfaction, pre and postoperative walking aids and Trendelenburg test. This study shows no real improvement in the MRI appearances of the tendons after surgery. Preoperative MRI absence of gluteus minimus was 100% predictive of a poor outcome, whilst thickening of the posterior gluteus medius was 83% predictive of a poor outcome. Postoperative MRI absence of posterior gluteus medius was 75% predictive of a poor outcome. Thickening of anterior gluteus medius and posterior gluteus medius were 71% and 83% predictive of a poor outcome respectively. Absence of posterior gluteus medius correlated with poor outcome in 75% of cases. The MRI appearance of the tendon does not normalise after surgery and there is limited correlation between the MRI appearances pre and postoperatively with the postoperative outcome.

Primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with incomplete hip abductor tears: does hip abductor repair improve outcome?

Incomplete tears of the hip abductor insertion can coexist with primary hip osteoarthritis. The aim of this investigation was to test the hypotheses that: (1) the outcome of patients undergoing primary THA using a direct anterior approach would be inferior when hip abductor pathology was present; and (2) in the presence of incomplete tears, the transgluteal approach with hip abductor repair delivers a superior outcome compared to the direct anterior approach. Forty patients underwent MR imaging of the hip abductor insertion prior to THA. The grade of abductor tears was assessed, the approach used for THA was recorded, and pre- and postoperative one-year outcome scores (WOMAC, HHS) were recorded. Twenty patients showed a normal appearance of the hip abductor insertion and THA was performed using the direct anterior approach (group 1). In 20 patients partial tears of the hip abductor insertion were recognized. Eight of them had THA through a direct anterior approach (group 2) and twelve through a transgluteal approach with repair (group 3).All patients improved after surgery. Overall the WOMAC improved from 6.1 to 2.1 points and the HHS from 46 to 87 points. A significantly higher benefit in terms of the HHS was achieved in patients of group 1 (p = 0.045). No significant differences were recorded between group 2 and group 3. Improvement in outcome scores after THA using the direct anterior approach was inferior in the presence of partial hip abductor tears. The repair of partial hip abductor tears was not associated with superior clinical results.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Treatment for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: Minimum of Two-Year Follow-Up

Objectives:Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common complaint with an estimated incidence of 1.8/1,000 persons. GTPS usually responds well to conservative treatment. In refractory cases, endoscopy offers a less invasive approach than open surgery, and offers the advantage of evaluating and treating coexistent intraarticular disorders. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical outcomes of endoscopic treatment for GTPS at a minimum of two years follow-up and to report the incidence and outcomes of hip abductor tears.Methods:During the study period, patients who presented with lateral hip pain, pain on palpation over the greater trochanter or hip abductor weakness and were treated with an endoscopic trochanteric bursectomy were included. Exclusion criteria were previous hip conditions and Tonnis grade ≥ 2. Patient reported outcome (PRO) scores used include the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), and the Hip Outcome Score-Sport Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS). PRO scores were collected pre-operatively and two-years postoperatively. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores and patient satisfaction ratings were also collected. Any revision surgeries, complications, or conversions to total hip arthroplasty (THA) were noted.Results:A total of 59 cases met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, of which 50 patients (85%) were available for follow-up at minimum two years. Forty-six patients reported two-year follow up PRO scores and four patients needed total hip replacement surgery. All patients had endoscopic trochanteric bursectomy. Thirteen patients (26%) had a gluteus medius tear treated during surgery. Average follow up was 31 months (range 24-50). Average age was 50 years (range 23-75). Patients demonstrated significant improvement (p<0.01) from pre-operative to last follow-up in all PROs. Patients who underwent gluteus medius (GM) repair demonstrated higher improvement in all PROs compared to patients without GM pathology (Table 1). Four patients (8%) went on to have THA, three patients (6%) required revision arthroscopy. Nine patients (18%) had a complication; however, all were transient and none required further surgical intervention.Conclusion:Patients experienced a statistically significant clinical improvement in PROs, and pain scores, and reported high satisfaction after endoscopic trochanteric bursectomy with or without gluteus medius repair. We conclude that peritrochanteric endoscopy is a safe and efficient treatment option for recalcitrant GTPS.