Sonoanatomy and Pathology of the Gluteus Minimus Tendon

Gluteus minimus tendon: MR imaging features and patterns of tendon tearing

PURPOSE

To highlight the spectrum of pathology and patterns of gluteus minimus tendon tearing observed on MR imaging of the hip.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Retrospective review of consecutive hip MRI exams with findings of gluteus minimus tendon (GMin) pathology. A total of 194 exams in 178 patients (148 female, mean age 61) were reviewed. MRI exams are assessed for GMin: tendinopathy, partial, or complete tendon tears. GMin muscular fatty atrophy, enthesopathic cortical irregularities of the greater trochanter (GT), and peri-trochanteric edema or bursal fluid collections were assessed in all cases. In all cases of complete GMin tendon tearing, position and relationship of GMin tendon were assessed relative to its normal insertion site and adjacent soft tissues.

RESULTS

Clinical indications for MR imaging included hip pain (n = 151), and weakness or altered gait (n = 13). Insertional GMin tendinopathy was seen in 72, partial tearing in 81, and complete tendon tearing in 40 cases. Complete tendon tearing without proximal retraction was observed in 38/40 cases with soft tissue continuity visualized between distal tendon fibers and the proximal vastus lateralis muscle. Peri-trochanteric bursal fluid (n = 61), osseous irregularities of the GT (n = 118), and fatty atrophy GMin (n = 102) were statistically associated with partial or complete GMin tendon tearing (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The spectrum of GMin tendon pathology observed on MR imaging ranges from tendinopathy to complete tears. The majority of complete distal GMin tendon tears from the greater trochanter show continuity of distal tendon fibers with the proximal vastus lateralis, distally tethering and limiting proximal tendon retraction.

Ultrasound Definitions and Findings in Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Ultrasound (US) assists in the determination of the pathology underlying greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS); however, there exists no consensus regarding the US criteria used to define these pathologies. We aim to explore these US definitions and their associated prevalence. "Trochanteric bursitis" was defined in 10 studies (13 included studies) and was heterogeneously described. "Tendinopathy" was defined in 4 studies, while 7 studies defined "tendinosis." "Tendon tears" were defined in 8 studies, 6 of which distinguished between "partial- and full-thickness tears." Tendon pathology was most frequent in 5 studies (prevalence: 7%-93%), and bursitis in 2 studies (prevalence: 10%-75%); 3 studies had equal distribution. Methodological quality was limited in the descriptions of GTPS and US approaches. Together, we document the lack of standardized US definitions of the pathologies underlying GTPS. This may explain the heterogenous prevalence of US findings. Standardized definitions are needed to improve the reliability of future GTPS studies.