There is a group of four muscles, known collectively as the hip abductors, that are found in the buttocks. The gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae work together to move the leg away from the middle of the body, a movement known as hip abduction. Its considered the most important muscle for ambulation.
Because of their anatomical location within the hip, the tendons attaching the gluteus minimus and gluteus medius are the most vulnerable to an injury or tear. These tendons can become partially or completely separated from their attachment site on the femur (thigh bone) from a blunt force trauma directly to the hip. Other degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis, can also lead to a hip abductor tear. Patients that experience a hip abductor often report pain in the buttocks, side fo the hip, lower back pain, and an abnormal gait.
Patients who sustain a small hip abductor tear may respond well to conservative therapies, particularly when the tendons remain intact and mobility is not affected. However, surgical intervention to repair a hip abductor tear may be necessary for patients with a complete tendon rupture or when conservative treatment measures fail to provide relief. A hip abductor tear can be surgically corrected through either a minimally invasive or open procedure. Patients and surgeons alike favor the endoscopic surgical technique for correcting a hip abductor tear as this surgical approach often results in a shorter recovery period while also minimizing infection and blood loss during the procedure. Several patient factors, such as age, medical history, injury severity, activity level, and recovery goals, are evaluated when formulating an individualized treatment plan. Dr. Frank McCormick, orthopedic hip doctor, treats patients in Orlando, West Palm Beach County, and surrounding Florida communities, who have experienced a hip abductor tear and are in need of surgical repair.
The minimally invasive endoscopic surgical procedure involves a small camera (endoscope) and specialized surgical instruments to perform the necessary revisions. Dr. McCormick begins by creating a number of small “key-hole” incisions surrounding the hip joint. The endoscope is introduced through a portal and the images of the hip joint structures are methodically examined for any damage. The specialized surgical instruments are inserted to excise and remove the damaged tendon fragments as well as remove any other joint irregularities, such as bone spurs or irritated and inflamed tissues. The iliotibial (IT) band, a tight band of tissue on the outer hip, may also be released from its attachment site to better visualize the damaged tendon attachment site. Lastly, sutures are attached to the remaining healthy tendon and passed through special surgical anchors embedded in the greater trochanter of the femur.
The recovery period after a hip abductor repair is determined by the complexity and severity of the precipitating injury as well as the specific surgical technique conducted by Dr. McCormick. Patients in the Orlando, West Palm Beach County, and surrounding Florida communities should avoid full weight-bearing for a period of 4 to 6 weeks following hip abductor repair. While certain hip motions should be avoided, hip movement can occur with the assistance of a physical therapist. The patient’s compliance with the post-operative care instructions can also affect this recovery process. In general, most patients can expect a full recovery in approximately 3 months with a return to sporting and physical activities in approximately 4-6 months.
For more information on hip labrum repair or hip labrum reconstruction, or to have your hip pain evaluated and treated, please contact the office of Frank McCormick, MD, orthopedic shoulder specialist serving Orlando, Kissimmee, West Palm Beach County, Florida and the surrounding areas.
