What Is A Hip Abductor Tear?

What is a hip abductor tear?

In this video, Dr. Nwachukwu discusses hip abductor tears which consists of tears of the gluteus minimus and medius. The gluteus minimus and medius are muscles that are involved in abduction of the hip which means moving the hip out to the side.

Often times, as we get older, the gluteus medius and minimus can become inflamed. This is known as trochanteric bursitis or trochanteric pain syndrome. In patients where long-standing trochanteric bursitis or trochanteric pain, the abductors can actually progress to have a tear which can either be a partial thickness tear (tendon is partially torn) or a full thickness tear (tendon is fully torn).

In patients with tears of the abductors, Dr. Nwachukwu will often perform an abductor repair. This is a very important procedure for restoring function to the hip abductors and relieving patients of their pain.

Patients with trochanteric pain syndrome will often complain of pain on the side of the hip and difficulty with sleeping on their side.