[From diagnosis to treatment of gluteus medius tendon tear of the hip: a case report].

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of spontaneous gluteus medius tear repaired surgically in a 42-year-old woman patient without any other antecedent other than diabetes. PATIENT AND METHODS-RESULTS: Trochanteric pain evolving for 7 months led to scintigraphy objectifying a hyperfixation of the trochanter and ultrasonography showing an inflammatory gluteus medius tendon. These examinations were supplemented by magnetic resonance imaging and tomodensitometry visualising the tendon rupture but no marked fat degeneration of the muscle despite atrophy of this one. Surgical exploration confirmed the presence of a major rupture of the gluteus medius tendon, which was reinserted through an osseous trench. Rehabilitation involved protecting the tendon, by an installation of the member in abduction and passive mobilization from the third postoperative day, with a move to partial support on day 45. The result after 16 months was excellent, the patient returning to work 8 months after the surgery without any residual pain.

CONCLUSION: The spontaneous rupture of the gluteus medius, often ignored, can occur in young subjects and induce limited function, often well corrected by reinsertion surgery.