[Tendinopathy of the gluteus medius tendon]

Abstract

Tendinopathy of the gluteus medius tendon is the main cause of great trochanter pain syndrom. Recent clinical, ultrasonographic and MRI study, allow to distinguish anterior lesions which concern the lateral part of the gluteus medius tendon, almost always associated with tendinopathy of the gluteus minimus tendon, from tendinopathy of the main tendon of the gluteus medius. Tears of the main tendon of the gluteus medius are the serious disabling consequence of that pathology and must be avoid by early medical and functional treatment with very moderate use of intrabursal corticosteroid injections. In few cases without improvement after medical treatment, surgery is indicated and includes bursectomy of the trochanteric bursa and tendinoplasty.