Posttraumatic Isolated Right Gluteus Minimus Tear: A Case Report

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is often diagnosed in patients who present with pain over the lateral aspect of the hip. Trauma with injury to the gluteus minimus and medius muscles results in hip pain, which should be considered when diagnosing chronic pain of the lateral hip. The gluteus minimus tendon insertion is located anterior to the anterior facet of the greater trochanter of the femur anatomically. Hence, gluteus minimus tendon pathology may also manifest as chronic lateral hip pain and is considered as the etiology of GTPS. These conditions do not respond to physiotherapy and analgesia. Both open and keyhole endoscopic methods have produced good results in addressing hip pain and abduction weakness. There is a lack of literature regarding isolated gluteus minimus tendon tear as the cause of chronic lateral hip pain or GTPS. Here, we present a rare case of a middle-aged lady with GTPS due to isolated gluteus minimus injury.

Automated summary

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) refers to pain occurring on the lateral aspect of the hip. Trauma to the gluteus minimus and medius muscles can cause hip pain, which should be considered when diagnosing chronic lateral hip pain. The gluteus minimus tendon is located in front of the greater trochanter of the femur, and pathology in this tendon can also manifest as chronic lateral hip pain, contributing to GTPS. Physiotherapy and analgesia are ineffective in treating these conditions. Both open and keyhole endoscopic surgeries have shown positive outcomes in addressing hip pain and abduction weakness. There is limited literature on isolated gluteus minimus tendon tear as the cause of chronic lateral hip pain or GTPS. This article presents a rare case of GTPS caused by isolated gluteus minimus injury.