Iliotibial-Band and Gluteus Medius Percutaneous Ultrasound Tenotomy for Refractory Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Longitudinal Observational Study with One-Year Durability Results.

BACKGROUND: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of lateral hip pain that affects patients' quality of life and functioning. The condition is often associated with tightness of the iliotibial band (ITB) and tendinopathy of the gluteus medius (GMed) tendon, which are subjected to excessive stress and inflammation. A traditional treatment for GTPS is conservative medical management (CMM), which includes but is not limited to physiotherapy, oral anti-inflammatory medication, and/or local steroid injections. Surgery is performed when these treatments fail. The failure of these techniques indicates that some treatments classified as CMM may not be feasible for some patients. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined GMed and ITB injections for a cohort of CMM-refractory GTPS patients. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review. SETTING: Single-center, academic hospital. METHODS: Between 01/01/2022 and 12/31/2022, a retrospective analysis of 68 hips that underwent combination GMed-ITB percutaneous ultrasound tenotomy (PUT) was performed. The primary outcome measure was a numeric rating scale (NRS) for hip pain, and the secondary outcome measures were VISA-G (Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Gluteal Tendinopathy) scores, sitting-to-standing and walking tolerance, and side-lying tolerance. RESULTS: The patients' NRS scores decreased, and the VISA-G scores and all functional measures increased one year after the procedure, indicating significant improvement in pain and functioning (P < 0.001). Treatment success, defined as 50% reduction in pain and side-lying tolerance, was achieved by 83% of the patients. No major complications were reported. LIMITATIONS: The lack of a comparable cohort reduces the data's interpretative significance. Having a control arm would have enabled a statistical comparison between treated and untreated patients to provide a valid assessment of the procedure's benefit. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of combined GMed-ITB PUT as a novel treatment for GTPS in patients who failed CMM. The results showed significant and durable improvement in pain, function, and quality of life at the one-year follow-up. Our study suggests that both ITB and GMed tendons are involved in the pathogenesis of GTPS. The present study compared favorably with previous studies that reported outcomes of either ITB PUT or GMed PUT alone, implying that combining the approaches may offer superior benefits. Furthermore, the study had several strengths, such as the use of a validated outcome measure (VISA-G), the elimination of bias by independent practitioners, and the inclusion of a difficult population with severe pain.

Postoperative Gait Performance Following Pertrochanteric Fractures Is Influenced by the Preoperative Condition of the Gluteal Muscles.

Introduction Amid an increasing number of patients with pertrochanteric fractures, early prediction of postoperative gait potential could reduce unnecessary rehabilitation and hospitalization. The relationship between preoperative gluteal muscle condition and postoperative gait outcomes remains unclear. The gluteal muscles are crucial for mobility, and their cross-sectional area (CSA) and fatty infiltration are indicators of physical function. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) provides quantitative data on muscle CSA and density, measured in Hounsfield Units (HU). This study aimed to identify which preoperative muscle index, CSA, BMI-adjusted CSA, or muscle density, best predicts postoperative gait ability. We hypothesized that a higher adjusted CSA and muscle density in the gluteus muscles would be associated with superior gait performance. Materials and methods Preoperative assessments included radiographs and CT scans. Patients under 75, with less than four weeks of follow-up, prior contralateral hip surgery, prefracture immobility, male patients, high-energy trauma, or conditions impairing physical performance were excluded. Gait performance was evaluated four weeks postoperatively, classifying patients into two groups: the 'parallel bar group,' requiring parallel bars, and the 'walker group,' walking independently. Patients underwent CM nailing. Preoperative CT scans measured the CSA and muscle density of the gluteus maximus and medius. Measurements were taken from the non-injured side to avoid interference from the fracture. Muscle borders were manually traced, and the CSA and muscle density in HU were calculated. Results Out of 81 patients, 49 met the inclusion criteria (mean age: 87). The patients were divided into the 'parallel bar group' (n=19) and the 'walker group' (n=30) based on postoperative gait performance. No significant differences in age, weight, height, or fracture laterality were observed between groups. The mean (and standard deviation (SD)) of CSA for the gluteus maximus in the 'parallel bar group'/in the 'walker group' was 2211.8 ± 469.8 mm²/2440.0 ± 586.2 mm², respectively (p=0.15), and for the gluteus medius, it was 1751.7 ± 415.2mm²/1869.1 ± 448.3mm², respectively (p=0.36). The mean (and SD) muscle density for the gluteus maximus in the 'parallel bar group'/in the 'walker group' was 13.6 ± 12.7 HU / 20.6 ± 13.0 HU (p=0.07), and for the gluteus medius, it was 25.2 ± 8.4 HU/31.8 ± 10.1 HU, respectively (p=0.02). The ROC curve identified a 30.9 HU cut-off for gluteus medius density, with sensitivity and specificity of 60.7% and 78.9%. The mean (and SD) of BMI-adjusted CSA for the gluteus maximus in the 'parallel bar group'/ in the 'walker group' was 116.4 ± 26.8 m²/106 kg/124.3 ± 29.2 m²/106 kg, respectively (p=0.35), and for the gluteus medius, it was 93.3 ± 27.2 m²/106 kg/95.4 ± 21.3m²/106kg, respectively (p=0.78). Conclusion This study analyzed preoperative CT images of women aged 75 and older with pertrochanteric fractures, comparing gluteal muscle CSA and density with postoperative walking ability. The gluteus medius density was significantly higher in the superior gait group, with a cut-off value of 30.9 HU. However, no significant differences were found in the gluteus maximus density, CSA, or BMI-adjusted CSA. These findings partially support the hypothesis, emphasizing the importance of muscle evaluation in predicting postoperative gait performance.

Pre-operative gluteus medius tendon degeneration and its impact on strength and functional ability one year after total hip replacement.

OBJECTIVE: Hip osteoarthritis is a common cause of disability and surgery is often unavoidable. Patient satisfaction is high and functional ability improves after surgery. However, residual impairment and pain are common. Degenerative changes in tendons and muscles are probable causes. The aim of this study is to investigate gluteus medius (GMED) tendon degeneration in relation to muscle strength, physical function and walking distance before and one year after total hip replacement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 18 patients were examined pre- and post-operatively, of whom 15 were available in the final analysis. Muscle strength, physical function and walking distance were assessed. Tendon biopsies were assessed microscopically, and the total degeneration score (TDS) was calculated. RESULTS: A correlation between the TDS and muscle strength was found for the hamstrings, GMED and quadriceps pre- or post-operatively. No correlations were found between the TDS and functional ability. Functional ability and muscle strength improved significantly after surgery. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a correlation between tendon degeneration and the muscle strength of the hip and knee in patients with hip OA and one year after THR. To minimise post-operative residual discomfort, rehabilitation programs should probably be modified over time to match the pre- and post-operative needs. Further studies are needed.This study was registered at https://www.researchweb.org/is/vgr/project/279039 (in Swedish).

There are negative correlations, which suggest patterns between degeneration in the GMED tendon and muscle strength in the muscles acting around the hip in patients with hip OA, before and after THR.The strength training of muscles acting around the hip joint may need to be adjusted before and after THR.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Reveals Superior Gluteus Medius Muscle Vitality After Total Hip Arthroplasty in a Minimally Invasive Anterolateral Versus Lateral Surgical Approach.

OBJECTIVE: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is essential for treating severe osteoarthritis. With various surgical approaches available, there has been a shift toward techniques that offer quicker recovery and fewer complications. In this study, contrast-enhanced ultrasound was used to evaluate the impact of the minimally invasive anterolateral versus conventional lateral approach in THA on the gluteus medius muscle, focusing on muscle vitality and functional outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of 64 patients who underwent unilateral THA (26 lateral and 38 anterolateral) was conducted. Muscle strength was measured alongside joint flexibility and patient-reported outcome measures. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) examinations were conducted to visualize gluteus medius microperfusion. CEUS data were analyzed using VueBox 7.1 software and microperfusion parameters were calculated using peak enhancement (PE), wash-in perfusion index (WiPI) and rise time for muscle vitality evaluation. RESULTS: Patients from the anterolateral group exhibited higher relative muscle strength in the operated hip compared with the healthy side (96 ± 23% vs. 86 ± 23%, p = 0.048). CEUS revealed superior gluteus medius microperfusion in the anterolateral group (PE 36,300 ± 42,000 arbitrary units [a.u.] vs. 20,400 ± 20,200 a.u., p = 0.024; WiPI 23,600 ± 27,300 a.u. vs. 13,500 ± 13,300 a.u., p = 0.027). A positive Trendelenburg sign was evident in 2 out of 26 patients in the lateral group compared with none in the anterolateral group (χ2 = 0.082), indicating higher rates of gluteal insufficiency in the lateral approach group. CONCLUSION: Significantly higher muscle perfusion parameters in the anterolateral group, alongside improved muscle strength recovery, hint at a subtle but important advantage regarding post-operative recovery of the anterolateral approach. These findings support the ongoing trend toward minimally invasive surgical approaches in THA.

Does Focused Gluteus Medius Muscle Stretching After Total Hip Arthroplasty Work? An Electromyographic Study.

BACKGROUND: The hypothesis of this randomized prospective study was that focused stretching of the gluteus medius muscle, in addition to generalized physical therapy, is likely to improve muscle reaction time and positively impact the return to function of the patient after primary total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: We prospectively recruited 28 patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty from January 2021 to January 2023. The control group (13 patients) received a conventional rehabilitation protocol, while the intervention group (15 patients) received focused stretching exercises of the gluteus medius muscle in addition to the conventional rehabilitation protocol. Patients had preoperative and postoperative surface electromyography (sEMG) to assess muscle activity. RESULTS: Patients in the intervention group after surgery had better muscle activation according to sEMG during walking and during one leg stance compared to the control group. Also, patients from the intervention group had better strength of the gluteus medius muscle after surgery, but this did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The present prospective study demonstrated that implementation of focused gluteus medius muscle stretching results in statistically significantly higher muscle activation as measured by sEMG. The strength of the gluteus medius muscle is also higher as measured using a dynamometer, albeit not reaching statistical significance. Based on the findings of this sEMG study, it appears that focused stretching and strengthening of abductors muscles are beneficial.

Normalization of the hip abductors rate of activation during a voluntary step task in older adults: Reliability and differences among approaches.

BACKGROUND: Voluntary stepping tasks are used to measure the ability of an individual to step and has been associated with fall risk in older adults. Although electromyography (EMG) amplitude is measured during stepping tasks, there is no consensus about the reference EMG value that should be used to normalize the signal. The purpose of the present study was to 1) investigate the impact of using different EMG parameters as a reference to normalize the rate of activation (RoA) of the hip abductor muscles across lateral voluntary step trials and the differences between trials, and 2) to investigate the reliability among trials of the reference EMG values. METHODS: Nineteen older adults (>65 years of age) performed ten lateral choice reaction stepping test (CRST), while the gluteus medius and tensor fascia latae EMG were recorded. Three reference EMG values were calculated and used to normalize RoA during the stepping task. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used (normalized RoA[3] x trial[3]) to compare normalized EMG across trials, and an intraclass correlation coefficient and coefficient of variation were used for the inter-trial reliability of the reference EMG values. RESULTS: The present study showed that gluteus medius and tensor fascia latae RoA normalized values from the stance and stepping leg (right or left side) measured during CRST are different according to the reference EMG value(P<0.001), with no differences across trials. Overall, the EMG procedures showed high inter-trial reliability, with a few exceptions. SIGNIFICANCE: Therefore, after careful examination of our results, the peak and mean EMG amplitudes showed consistently higher intraclass correlation coefficients; however, the former may provide a more intuitive reference value.

Comparison of erector spinae and gluteus medius muscle thickness and activation in individuals with and without low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Dysfunctional patterns of the erector spinae (ES) and gluteus medius (GM) muscles often accompany episodes of low back pain (LBP). Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) has been used to measure ES and GM muscle thickness, however such measurements have not been compared in individuals with and without LBP. OBJECTIVES: To compare ES and GM muscle thickness and change in thickness utilizing RUSI in individuals with and without LBP. DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparison. METHODS: A volunteer sample of 60 adults with (n = 30) and without (n = 30) LBP was examined. Thickness measurements of the ES and GM at rest and during contraction were obtained by using RUSI during a single session. Statistical comparison was performed using ANCOVA. The demographic variable age was used as a covariate in the primary comparative analysis. RESULTS: Mean difference for age between groups was 5.4 years (95% CI: 1.85, 8.94, p = 0.004). Average ODI score was 32.33±6.58 and pain level of 5.39±0.73 over the last 24 h in the symptomatic group. There was a statistically significant difference in the percent thickness change in both the ES, mean difference = -3.46 (95% CI: -6.71, -0.21, p = 0.039) and GM, mean difference = -1.93 (95% CI: -3.85, -0.01, p = 0.049) muscles between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with LBP may have reduced percent thickness change of the ES and GM muscles when compared to asymptomatic individuals.

The Utilization of Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Gluteus Medius Tendon Pathology: A Perspective for Rehabilitation Providers.

Gluteus medius tendon pathology, encompassing tendinopathy and tears, is a significant source of lateral hip pain and functional impairment. Traditional diagnostic approaches have relied on clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the advent of diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) has transformed the evaluation process. Musculoskeletal ultrasound has emerged as a highly valuable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of gluteus medius tendon pathology, offering a non-invasive, cost-effective, and dynamic assessment method. This modality provides real-time visualization of soft tissue, enabling the detailed examination of tendon structure, vascularity, and associated musculature. For rehabilitation providers, understanding the application, strengths, and limitations of diagnostic MSKUS can enhance clinical decision-making, facilitate targeted therapeutic interventions, and potentially expedite the recovery process. This article reviews the application of MSKUS in diagnosing gluteus medius tendon pathology and its implications for rehabilitation practice. This should help to equip rehabilitation professionals with knowledge to better integrate this diagnostic tool into their clinical repertoire.

Techniques for abductor reattachment in proximal femoral replacement for non-oncological reconstructions: a narrative review.

Background and Objective: Proximal femoral replacement due to revision hip arthroplasty or catastrophic proximal femur fracture fixation failures with considerable proximal femur bone loss can lead to a substantial loss of function of the soft tissue around the hip and the abductor muscles in particular. Surgical techniques of gluteus medius repair and/or abductor mechanism reattachment/reconstruction are widely debated in the literature, but it is quite rarely dealt with in the context of megaprosthesis and femoral reconstruction, particularly in non-oncologic patients. The aim of this study is to present a narrative review of the literature on techniques for abductor reattachment in proximal femoral replacement for non-oncological reconstructions. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched by two researchers independently from inception until February 1st, 2023 (923 for MEDLINE and 963 for Embase; Cochrane is a composite of multiple databases and thus does not report a standard inception date). Articles examining proximal femoral reconstruction with megaprosthesis or allograft prosthesis were included. Studies concerning cadaver and oncologic patients were excluded. If the researchers failed to find an agreement on whether to include a study, the senior researcher would make a final decision in such cases. Data were extracted and stored, and qualitative synthesis was performed. Key Content and Findings: A total of 1,157 articles from MEDLINE, 11,187 articles from Embase, and 0 articles from Cochrane were identified. Of 12,344 articles, the structured screening process revealed 10 eligible trials. Four different types of abductor musculature reconstruction/reinsertion were identified. Conclusions: Multiple and complex revision hip arthroplasties as well as multiple surgical procedures for proximal femur fracture fixations failures may have a great impact on proximal femur bone stock condition and soft tissue preservation requiring the use of a proximal femur megaprosthesis. In such cases, the abductor mechanism reconstruction and/or reattachment is achievable with different techniques that can be resumed in four different groups: direct suture to the prosthesis, trochanteric sleeve osteotomy, muscle-to-muscle suture, and synthetic tube augmentation suture.

Effects of static exercises on hip muscle fatigue and knee wobble assessed by surface electromyography and inertial measurement unit data.

Hip muscle weakness can be a precursor to or a result of lower limb injuries. Assessment of hip muscle strength and muscle motor fatigue in the clinic is important for diagnosing and treating hip-related impairments. Muscle motor fatigue can be assessed with surface electromyography (sEMG), however sEMG requires specialized equipment and training. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are wearable devices used to measure human motion, yet it remains unclear if they can be used as a low-cost alternative method to measure hip muscle fatigue. The goals of this work were to (1) identify which of five pre-selected exercises most consistently and effectively elicited muscle fatigue in the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and rectus femoris muscles and (2) determine the relationship between muscle fatigue using sEMG sensors and knee wobble using an IMU device. This work suggests that a wall sit and single leg knee raise activity fatigue the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, and rectus femoris muscles most reliably (p < 0.05) and that the gluteus medius and gluteus maximus muscles were fatigued to a greater extent than the rectus femoris (p = 0.031 and p = 0.0023, respectively). Additionally, while acceleration data from a single IMU placed on the knee suggested that more knee wobble may be an indicator of muscle fatigue, this single IMU is not capable of reliably assessing fatigue level. These results suggest the wall sit activity could be used as simple, static exercise to elicit hip muscle fatigue in the clinic, and that assessment of knee wobble in addition to other IMU measures could potentially be used to infer muscle fatigue under controlled conditions. Future work examining the relationship between IMU data, muscle fatigue, and multi-limb dynamics should be explored to develop an accessible, low-cost, fast and standardized method to measure fatiguability of the hip muscles in the clinic.

The effect of chronic low back pain and lumbopelvic stabilization instructions on gluteus medius activation during sidelying hip movements.

BACKGROUND: People with chronic low back pain (LBP) often demonstrate altered muscle activation with movements that involve the lumbopelvic region and hips. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare gluteus medius activity during sidelying hip abduction (SHA) and sidelying hip abduction-lateral rotation (SHALR) with and without instruction for lumbopelvic stabilization in people with and without chronic LBP. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted recruiting participants with (n = 17) and without (n = 17) chronic LBP. Gluteus medius activity was recorded with surface electromyography during the performance of SHA and SHALR with and without instructions including the abdominal drawing-in maneuver for lumbopelvic stabilization. RESULTS: For SHA and SHALR, there was a significant main effect for instruction for stabilization indicated by a decrease in gluteus medius activity with instructions (p = .001, p < .001). There was not a significant main effect of chronic LBP on gluteus medius activity between groups for either activity. There was no significant interaction effect of pain and instruction for stabilization with SHA or SHALR. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of changes in gluteus medius muscle activation patterns with trunk stabilization instruction may help clinicians with assessment of exercise performance to optimize gluteus medius activation.

Is muscle activation diverse in females with isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis contrasted with age-matched healthy controls during stair descent task?

Background: Patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PF OA) is exceptionally predominant and limiting. However, little is known about the risk factors that contribute to its onset and progression. Purpose: The aim of this study was to decide if women with PF OA descend stairs using different muscular activation strategies compared to similarly aged healthy controls. Methods: Thirty-one women with isolated PF OA and 11 similarly aged healthy women took part in this study. The activation onset and duration of PF OA in vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus lateralis (VL), gluteus medius (GM), transversus abdominis (TrA), and multifidus muscles were evaluated during the stair descent task using surface electromyography (EMG). Results: There was a non-significant difference between women with PF OA and healthy controls regarding all tested variables, except for the GM activation onset that was significantly delayed in women with PF OA, with the p-value of 0.011. Conclusion: The causes of PF OA differ and might not always be due to a lack of quadriceps strength or VMO activation deficiency, and prospective longitudinal studies are required to confirm this assumption.

Endoscopic Repair of Hip Abductor Tendon Tears: A Case Report.

Introduction: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is a common incapacitating hip condition characterized by chronic lateral hip pain. This condition includes a range of pathologies ranging from trochanteric bursitis, hip abductor pathology involving the gluteus medius and minimum, external coxa saltans (snapping hip syndrome), or combinations of these. Hip abductor tendon tears have gained recognition as a main contributor to this condition. This pathology is often misdiagnosed and left untreated because of the frequency of partial-thickness undersurface tears. Once this challenging diagnosis is confirmed, non-operative treatments are considered the first therapeutic approach. Despite the availability and effectiveness of multiple non-operative therapies, a considerable percentage of patients will present with chronic disabling pain and refractory symptoms. Many health-care providers are unaware of accessible advanced surgical techniques that benefit patients unresponsive to conservative management. Case Report: We present the case of a 51-year-old female patient with chronic lateral hip pain refractory to conservative treatment for more than two years, treated successfully with endoscopic abductor tendon repair. The patient returned to the desired activities six months following surgery without any reported complications. Patient's pre-operative reported outcomes utilizing the MHOT-14 and Vail hip scores improved from 27 to 79 points (on a scale of 0-100) and from 30 to 56 points (on a scale of 0-100), respectively, at eight months follow-up. Conclusion: This case report is illustrative of endoscopic surgical repair of the hip abductor tendons in the setting of a chronic full-thickness abductor tendon tear in a female patient after failure of conservative management. The multiple advantages of the technique include performance in an ambulatory day surgery center, soft-tissue preservation, and fewer complications compared to other open techniques. Knowledge of this pathology and its state-of-the-art available treatments is relevant for orthopedic surgeons and a wide range of health providers who encounter patients with chronic lateral hip pain.

The morphological variability of the pelvic girdle muscles: a potential trap during ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: The muscles present in the pelvic girdle compartment demonstrate clinically significant anatomical variation regarding both their site of attachment and additions, such as accessory heads, muscles or tendinous slips. Many of those variations might be considered potential traps during ultrasound examination that may result in misdiagnosis. The aim of this study was to raise awareness of such possibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search for morphological variations was performed in PubMed and NIH. Relevant papers were listed and citation tracking was accomplished. RESULTS: Although several anatomical variations of pelvic girdle muscles have been presented, few studies have examined their relevance in ultrasound imaging. CONCLUSIONS: The morphological variability of the pelvic girdle muscles does not vary from such incidence in other regions of the human body; however further ultrasound studies are needed of the numerous morphological variants that can be found in this region.

Contributions of the Abductor Muscles to Rotational and Distractive Stability of the Hip in a Biomechanical Cadaveric Model.

Background: The gluteus minimus (GMin) and gluteus medius (GMed) are important dynamic stabilizers of the hip, but quantitative data on their biomechanical roles in stabilizing the hip are currently lacking. Purpose: To (1) establish a reproducible biomechanical cadaveric model of the hip abductor complex and (2) characterize the effects of loading the GMin and GMed on extraneous femoral rotation and distraction. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 10 hemipelvises were tested in 4 muscle loading states: (1) unloaded, (2) the GMin loaded, (3) the GMed loaded, and (4) both the GMin and GMed loaded. Muscle loads were applied via cables, pulleys, and weights attached to the tendons to replicate the anatomic lines of action. Specimens were tested under internal rotation; external rotation; and axial traction forces at 0°, 15°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of hip flexion. Results: When loaded together, the GMin and GMed reduced internal rotation motion at all hip flexion angles (P < .05) except 60° and reduced external rotation motion at all hip flexion angles (P < .05) except 0°. Likewise, when both the GMin and GMed were loaded, femoral distraction was decreased at all angles of hip flexion (P < .05). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that the GMin and GMed provide stability against rotational torques and distractive forces and that the amount of contribution depends on the degree of hip flexion. Clinical Relevance: Improved understanding of the roles of the GMin and GMed in preventing rotational and distractive instability of the hip will better guide treatment of hip pathologies and optimize nonoperative and operative therapies.

Functional Outcomes and Gait Analysis of Total Hip Arthroplasty Through Lateral Hardinge Approach and Gluteus Medius-Sparing Approach: A Prospective Study.

Background and objective Hip degenerative joint disease is a common and debilitating musculoskeletal disorder. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a reconstructive hip procedure to relieve this condition through various surgical approaches. This study aimed to compare the functional outcomes between patients undergoing THA using the lateral Hardinge approach and the lateral gluteus medius-sparing approach. Material and methods This prospective study was carried out at a tertiary care institution. Thirty patients with arthritic hip joints were managed with total hip replacement (THR). The patients were allocated into two treatment groups; in group A, 14 patients received a THR by the lateral Hardinge approach, whereas in group B, 16 patients were managed by the lateral gluteus medius-sparing approach. Functional outcomes were assessed by the Harris Hip Score (HHS), and gait analysis was performed. Results The mean age of group A was 39.79 ±14.01 years and that of group B was 37.00 ±14.81 years. The mean length of incision was significantly lower in group B (p=0.001), whereas the mean duration of surgery (p=0.018) and mean contralateral pelvic tilt were found to be significantly lower in group A (p=0.009). No significant difference was found in abductor muscle strength, limb length discrepancy, HHS, pelvic obliquity, and pelvic rotation. Conclusion While functional outcomes were similar in both groups, the group that underwent THA with the gluteus medius-sparing approach had better gait based on lower pelvic tilt.

The effect of hip abductor strengthening exercises on lower limb strength asymmetry and balance in women with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with multiple sclerosis tend to use and move their body segments in an unbalanced way, which causes asymmetry of muscle strength, especially in the lower limbs. Among these muscles, the hip abductor muscles play a more important role in stabilizing the pelvis and maintaining balance. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of hip abductors exercises on lower limb strength asymmetry and balance in people with multiple sclerosis. MATERIALS & METHODS: In this clinical trial with a pre-test-post-test design, 40 women with multiple sclerosis were purposefully selected and randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed hip abductor muscle strengthening exercises for 8 weeks and each session lasted 30 min. The control group did not receive any intervention and continued their daily activities. The strength of knee flexors and extensors, plantar-flexors and ankle dorsi-flexors was measured using a dynamometer. Static and dynamic balance was also evaluated using the stork test and timed get up and go test, respectively. ANCOVA test was used at a significance level of 0.05 to investigate the intergroup effects. RESULTS: The results showed a significant decrease in the strength asymmetry of the knee extensor (P = 0.001) and knee flexor (P = 0.001) muscles in the experimental group. However, no significant difference was observed in the asymmetry of the strength of the ankle dorsi-flexor (P = 0.160) and plantar-flexor muscles (P = 0.698). The results also showed a significant improvement in static (P = 0.001) and dynamic balance (P = 0.001) in the experimental group. DISCUSSIONS & CONCLUSIONS: Strengthening the hip abductors improves the symmetry of the strength of the knee extensor and flexor muscles. It also improves the balance of people with multiple sclerosis.

Changes in the Activity of the Erector Spinae and Gluteus Medius Muscles with the Presence of Simulated Lower Limb Dysmetria.

(1) Background: Leg length discrepancy (LLD), regardless of its origin, is a very common pathology that can contribute to low back pain. Various authors have pointed out its relationship with the lack of activation of both the gluteus medius (GM) and the ipsilateral erector spinae (ES). The purpose of this study was to identify the activation of the ES and GM with different simulated LLDs, correlating this activation with LBP. In turn, we evaluated whether ES and GM activity has an effect on jumping ability using a CMJ test. (2) Method: A sample of healthy subjects was selected to whom an artificial LLD was applied using 0.5, 1, and 1.5 cm insoles. These three heights were measured using EMG while the subjects walked and performed a counter movement jump (CMJ). The measurements of the insole heights were carried out in random order using a Latin square. Muscle activation patterns were recorded for 30 s at each of the insole heights while the patients walked at 5.7 km/h and they were compared with the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), both on the ipsilateral and contralateral sides. These muscles were then measured under the same circumstances during the performance of the CMJ. (3) Results: We found statistically significant differences in the flight heights in both the CMJ and DJ. In the comparison, significant differences were found in the flight heights of the CMJ and the DJ using the 5 mm insoles, and in the case of the DJ, also without insoles, with respect to the MVC. We found statistically significant differences in the activation of the GM with the differences in insoles, but not in the activation of the Es in relation to the different insole heights. (4) Conclusions: Insoles of different heights caused activation differences in the medius on the side where the insoles were placed. We can relate this difference in activation to LBP. In relation to the ES, no significant differences were found in the activation of the ipsilateral side of the insole.

Outcomes of Isolated Endoscopic Gluteal Tendon Repair Compared With Concomitant Endoscopic Gluteal Tendon Repair and Arthroscopic Hip Labral Repair: A Propensity-Matched Analysis With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up.

Background: Both gluteal and labral tears are common sources of hip pain, but no studies have evaluated how concomitant arthroscopic labral repair and correction of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) affect outcomes after endoscopic gluteus/minimus repair. Purpose: (1) To compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and clinically significant outcomes achievements between patients who underwent endoscopic gluteus medius/minimus and arthroscopic hip labral repair with correction of FAIS versus endoscopic gluteus medius/minimus repair without labral repair and (2) to define threshold scores required to achieve the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) for the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living, Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), 12-item international Hip Outcome Tool, and visual analog scale for pain in these patients. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients who underwent primary endoscopic gluteus medius/minimus repair between 2012 and 2020 were identified. Those who underwent concomitant arthroscopic labral repair and correction of FAIS with femoroplasty or acetabuloplasty as indicated were propensity matched in a 1 to 1 ratio by sex, age, and body mass index to patients who underwent gluteus medius/minimus repair without labral repair. Patients who completed the study PROs were assessed preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively. Threshold scores required to achieve the MCID and PASS thresholds were calculated. Results: A total of 32 patients who underwent simultaneous gluteal and labral repair (G+L) were matched to 32 patients who underwent gluteal repair without labral repair (G); 75% of patients in the G cohort underwent labral debridement, while 25% in this cohort received no labral treatment. A significant difference was observed between groups in preoperative mHHS scores (G+L, 54.4 ± 12.9 vs G, 46.3 ± 14; P = .048) but no differences in any other PRO scores (P≥ .207). The MCID/PASS thresholds were as follows: Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (11.14/83.82), Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific (16.07/59.72), mHHS (11.47/70.95), 12-item international Hip Outcome Tool (13.73/45.49), and visual analog scale for pain (14.30/22). There were no significant differences in MCID or PASS achievement rates between the 2 groups (P≥ .108). Conclusion: Patients who underwent combined G+L demonstrated comparable PROs and clinically significant outcomes achievement rates to patients who underwent G, highlighting sustained successful outcomes for patients with gluteal tendon pathology and concomitant FAIS and labral tears.

Gluteus medius calcific tendonitis as a cause of severe anterior hip pain.

Calcific tendinopathy in the gluteus medius is uncommon and sporadically reported. It may be asymptomatic or present with acute or chronic pain. Pain is usually isolated to the lateral hip overlying the gluteal muscles or greater trochanter. We present a rare case of gluteus medius calcific tendonitis as a cause of severe anterior hip pain. Given the atypical local and clinical presentation these can be often misdiagnosed as septic arthritis or fracture which may lead to overtreatment and even unnecessary surgery. This article will detail the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and clinical course following treatment. This will facilitate the clinician in making a timely diagnosis and establishing an effective treatment course.