What is an abductor tear?
The gluteus medius is one of the three hip abductor muscles. Tears of the gluteus medius can occur following traumatic injuries or result from degenerative conditions such as tendinopathy (chronic inflammation of the gluteus medius tendon), causing pain and weakness on the affected side of the hip. If conservative measures fail to alleviate pain or restore normal function, Dr. Potts may recommend a minimally-invasive procedure to repair the abductor arthroscopically.
What happens during an abductor repair?
Dr. Potts performs abductor repairs with minimally-invasive arthroscopy. Through a few small incisions around the hip, an arthroscopic camera and surgical instruments are used to locate the tear. Once the gluteus medius is visualized, suture is passed through the ruptured tendon and then pulled down to its normal anatomic position. Anchors are used to secure the tendon back down to the bone. This procedure has a high success rate in treating pain, and restoring strength to the gluteus medius muscle.
