Does ultrasound correlate with surgical or histologic findings in greater trochanteric pain syndrome? A pilot study

Ilizaliturri Jr. V, Kohlrieser D, Laskovski J, Lifshitz L, P. McGovern R, Monnington K, O’Donnell J, Takla A, Tyler T, Voight M, Wuerz T, Martin RL. The 2022 International Society for Hip Preservation (ISHA) physiotherapy agreement on assessment and treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS): an international consensus statement

The 2022 International Society of Hip Preservation (ISHA) physiotherapy agreement on assessment and treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) was intended to present a physiotherapy consensus on the assessment and surgical and non-surgical physiotherapy management of patients with GTPS. The panel consisted of 15 physiotherapists and eight orthopaedic surgeons. Currently, there is a lack of high-quality literature supporting non-operative and operative physiotherapy management. Therefore, a group of physiotherapists who specialize in the treatment of non-arthritic hip pathology created this consensus statement regarding physiotherapy management of GTPS. The consensus was conducted using a modified Delphi technique to guide physiotherapy-related decisions according to the current knowledge and expertise regarding the following: (i) evaluation of GTPS, (ii) non-surgical physiotherapy management, (iii) use of corticosteroids and orthobiologics and (iv) surgical indications and post-operative physiotherapy management.

Natural History of Degenerative Hip Abductor Tendon Lesions

BACKGROUND

The best treatment of degenerative hip abductor tendon lesions remains largely unknown, as the natural course of the disease has not yet been reported. The aim of the present study was to investigate the natural history of symptomatic degenerative hip abductor lesions.

HYPOTHESIS

Nonoperatively treated hip abductor lesions progress over time, resulting in refractory hip pain and low functional outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series (prognosis); Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with greater trochanteric pain syndrome and degenerative changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the symptomatic hip were included. Bilateral hip MRI scans and a clinical examination were performed at a minimum follow-up of 36 months to study the type and location of hip abductor lesion. Progression of a lesion was defined as a more severe lesion as compared with the initial MRI results or if the lesion extended to another, initially not involved, trochanteric facet. The muscle's fatty infiltration (FI) was also described.

RESULTS

From 106 patients identified, 58 patients (64 hips) aged 66 ± 14 years (mean ± SD) agreed to return to the clinic for follow-up MRI and met the inclusion criteria. At a mean 71-month follow-up, an overall 34% (22/64) of lesions had progressed over time: from trochanteric bursitis to tendinopathy (9/64, 14%) or partial tear (5/64, 8%), from tendinopathy to partial tear (4/64, 6%), from a partial to complete tear (3/64, 4.5%), and with 1 complete tear (1/64, 1.5%) extending to another trochanteric facet. Interestingly, 90% of partial tears remained stable or transformed into a scar. Although patients with a progressive lesion experienced more trochanteric pain (visual analog scale, 4.6 vs 2.8; P = .001), the functional outcomes were comparable with patients with a stable lesion. The majority of hips with a partial tear (64%) demonstrated a progression of gluteus minimus FI from a median grade of 1 to 2, whereas only 1 hip (3%) progressed from grade 2 to 3. Only 3 hips (9%) with a partial tear had a progression of gluteus medius FI, which did not differ significantly from the contralateral unaffected side.

CONCLUSION

Nonoperative treatment might be a valid long-term option for degenerative hip abductor lesions, especially for partial tears, which demonstrated a low risk of clinically relevant progression or muscle FI and similar clinical outcomes to those reported in the literature for operatively treated hip abductor tendon lesions.

A Review of Abductor Tendon Tears: The Hidden Lesion of the Hip

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Greater trochanteric pain syndrome consists of a group of associated conditions involving the lateral hip that can be debilitating to patients, mostly women between ages 40 and 60 years.

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Abductor tendon tears are becoming a more recognized cause of lateral hip pain in patients without hip osteoarthritis.

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Diagnosis of this condition is critical to patient care because misdiagnosis often leads to unnecessary prolonged pain and even unnecessary procedures that address different pathologies.

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Treatment strategies consists of nonoperative modalities such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy, but for refractory cases, surgical techniques including repair, augmentation, and reconstruction have been well-described in the literature providing patients with acceptable outcomes.

"I feel I have been taken seriously" Women's experience of greater trochanteric pain syndrome treatment-A nested qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Women experiencing greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) report high levels of pain and reduced quality of life. Exploring how they manage GTPS in a daily life context can provide important knowledge about individual coping strategies. Education, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and exercise have good group level evidence for efficacy in clinical trials and are increasingly used in routine care for patients with GTPS. Exploring women's experiences of such treatment may help understand the mechanisms underpinning these positive results and inform treatment strategies. We therefore aimed to explore how women with GTPS experience and manage their daily life, and their experience of the combined treatment of education, ESWT and exercises.

METHODS

This qualitative study was nested within a cohort study based in a hospital outpatient clinic and a physiotherapy clinic in Denmark assessing the combined treatment of education, ESWT and exercises. Data was collected from eleven women using in-person, individual, semi-structured interviews which were audio recorded. Transcripts were coded and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach.

FINDINGS

Five themes were identified: (1) Daily life was controlled and structured by pain; (2) The condition was acknowledged and taken seriously by treating professionals; (3) The participants´ experiences of the intervention-information is key; (4) Improved capability and autonomy in pain management and (5) The women´s perspectives on improving and expanding the intervention. Learning how to manage pain was experienced as the most important element of the program to the women to be able to minimize pain and manage daily life.

CONCLUSION

Exploration of how women with greater trochanteric pain syndrome experienced and managed daily hip pain, and how they experienced and adapted to treatment are important novel findings that will inform clinical practice. This new knowledge may be used to inform an individualized patient education, treatment and evaluation strategy for women with the painful and debilitating condition of GTPS.

Clinical outcomes of open hip abductor tendon repair with minimum two-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

The results of open hip abductor tendon repair remains poorly defined. We sought to present the results and complications of this procedure using modern suture anchor fixation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our prospective institutional hip preservation registry was queried for all patients who underwent open hip abductor tendon repair with minimum 2-year follow-up were identified. Demographic, clinical, intraoperative, and functional outcome details were recorded. Patient-reported outcome scores (PROs) including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), HOS-ADL, HOS-S, and iHOT-33 were collected for the preoperative and final postoperative state. Risk factors for lower final mHHS and change in mHHS were analysed using a multiple regression model.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients with mean 48 months clinical follow-up (range 24-84 months). Median mHHS improved from 49.50 preoperatively to 82.50 postoperatively (p < 0.001), median HOS-ADL improved from 60.29 to 82.35 (p = 0.001), median HOS-S improved from 37.50 to 60.00 (p = 0.04), and median iHOT-33 improved from 29.81 to 70.15 (p = 0.001). All patients had +4 or +5 hip abductor strength at final in-person examination at mean 17 months postoperatively. All patients with a preoperative Trendelenburg gait had complete resolution at final examination. There 2 complications, and no patient had re-tear or revision surgery. LCEA < 25° and a history of prior ipsilateral hip surgery were independently predictive of smaller improvement in mHHS at final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Open abductor tendon repair is a safe and effective procedure that provides sustained symptomatic and functional improvements at mid-term follow-up.

Clinical results after open gluteus medius repair in single-row technique

Purpose

The aim of this retrospective study is to present the clinical results of open repair of gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tendon tears using the single-row suture anchor technique.

Methods

This retrospective study included 43 participants after open repair of the abductor tendon of the hip joint using a single-row suture anchor technique. Clinical outcome parameters were assessed by VAS (0–10), gait safety (1 = absolutely safe gait without assistive devices - 10 = gait not possible), SHV (0–100%), mHHS, WOMAC, and gluteal muscle strength status from single-leg stance and against gravity.

Results

Thirty-two female and 11 male subjects with an average age of 65.2 years were included in this study. Overall, a significant decrease in pain (VAS 3.2) and improvement in joint function is observed after a period of 22.3 months. The mHHS reached 61.9 points, WOMAC 28.2, SHV 69.8% and gait stability measured by the VAS reached 3.4. 58.1% of the participants reported not having Trendelenburg, while 4% could not control the single leg stance.

Conclusions

The present study shows that single row repair for open glutueus medius refixation indicates limited clinical results. Although there was an improvement in clinical outcome. The majority of subjects continued to report limiting symptoms.

Exercise With Low-Loads and Concurrent Partial Blood Flow Restriction Combined With Patient Education in Females Suffering From Gluteal Tendinopathy: A Feasibility Study

Introduction

To date, there exists no gold standard conservative treatment for lateral hip pain due to tendinopathy of the gluteus medius and/or minimus tendon (GT), a condition often complicated by pain and disability. Higher loads during everyday activities and exercise seems to be contraindicated with GT. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of exercise with low-loads concurrent partial blood flow restriction (LL-BFR) and patient education for patients present GT.

Methods

Recruitment took place at three hospitals in the Central Denmark Region. The intervention consisted of daily sessions for 8 weeks with one weekly supervised session. From week three patients exercised with applied partial blood flow restriction by means of a pneumatic cuff around the proximal thigh of the affected leg. Throughout the intervention patients received patient education on their hip condition. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected at baseline. The feasibility of LL-BFR was conducted by adherence to the exercise protocol and drop-out rate. Patient reported outcome measures (The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Gluteal Questionnaire, EuroQol - 5 Dimensions-Visual Analogue Scale, Oxford Hip Score, Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score), maximal voluntary isometric hip abduction-, hip extension, and knee extension strength (Nm/kg) measured using a handheld dynamometer, and functional capacity tests (30 second chair-stand test and a stair-climb test) was conducted as secondary outcomes.

Results

Sixteen women with a median (IQR) age of 51 (46–60) years were included. Median (IQR) Body Mass Index was 26.69 (23.59–30.46) kg/m2. Adherence to the total number of training sessions and the LL-BFR was 96.4 and 94.4%, respectively. Two patients dropped out due to (i) illness before initiation of LL-BFR and (ii) pain in the affected leg related to the LL-BFR-exercise. At follow-up both pain levels and patient-reported outcome measures improved. Isometric hip abduction-, hip extension-, and knee extension strength on both legs and functional performance increased. Conclusion: LL-BFR-exercise seems feasible for treatment of GT. At follow-up, a high adherence and low drop-out rate were observed. Further, patients reported clinically relevant reductions in pain, and showed significant increases in isometric hip and knee strength.

Classification Based Treatment of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) with Integration of the Movement System

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) refers to pain in the lateral hip and thigh and can encompass multiple diagnoses including external snapping hip (coxa saltans), also known as proximal iliotibial band syndrome, trochanteric bursitis, and gluteus medius (GMed) or gluteus minimus (GMin) tendinopathy or tearing. GTPS presents clinicians with a similar diagnostic challenge as non-specific low back pain with special tests being unable to identify the specific pathoanatomical structure involved and do little to guide the clinician in prescription of treatment interventions. Like the low back, the development of GTPS has been linked to faulty mechanics during functional activities, mainly the loss of pelvic control in the frontal place secondary to hip abductor weakness or pain with hip abductor activation. Therefore, an impairment-based treatment classification system. is recommended in the setting of GTPS in order to better tailor conservative treatment interventions and improve functional outcomes.

Level of Evidence

Level V, clinical commentary.

The EFSUMB Guidelines and Recommendations for Musculoskeletal Ultrasound - Part I: Extraarticular Pathologies

The first part of the guidelines and recommendations for musculoskeletal ultrasound, produced under the auspices of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB), provides information about the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound for assessing extraarticular structures (muscles, tendons, entheses, ligaments, bones, bursae, fasciae, nerves, skin, subcutaneous tissues, and nails) and their pathologies. Clinical applications, practical points, limitations, and artifacts are described and discussed for every structure. After an extensive literature review, the recommendations have been developed according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine and GRADE criteria and the consensus level was established through a Delphi process. The document is intended to guide clinical users in their daily practice.

Modelling gluteus medius tendon degeneration and repair in a large animal model

INTRODUCTION

Gluteus medius tendon tears often occur in the context of chronic tendinopathy and remain a difficult clinical problem. Surgical repair is challenging as it is often delayed and performed in degenerative tendons. No animal model currently exists to mimic the delayed repair of tendinopathic gluteus medius tears. The aims of this study were to develop a chronic model of gluteus medius tendinopathy and tear and then compare this model to an acute gluteus medius tear and repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six gluteus medius muscles were dissected and examined in mature sheep to confirm anatomical similarity to the human counterpart. Ten separate adult sheep underwent tendon detachment, followed by relook and histological sampling at 6 and 16 weeks to assess the extent of tendon degeneration. Six adult sheep underwent tendon repair at 6 weeks and were later assessed for healing of the tendon and compared to a further four adult sheep who underwent an acute tendon detachment and repair procedure.

RESULTS

The sheep gluteus medius muscle consisted of three compartments, the anterior, middle and posterior. All compartments inserted via the common tendon on the superolateral aspect of the greater trochanter. At both 6 and 16 weeks, there was significant tendinopathic changes on histology compared to controls as assessed by modified Movin's score (p = 0.018, p = 0.047) but no difference between the 6- and 16-week groups (p = 0.25). There were significant differences between delayed and acute repair in both histological appearance (p = 0.025) and biomechanical properties (p = 0.019), with acute repair superior in both.

CONCLUSIONS

Tendon detachment for 6 weeks is sufficient to produce histological changes similar to chronic tendinopathy and repair of this degenerative tendon results in significantly poorer healing when compared to an acute repair model. Animal models for gluteus medius tears should use a delayed repair model to improve clinical validity.

A Novel Treatment Approach of Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of the Greater Trochanteric Sensory Nerve for Recalcitrant Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

This report describes a novel technique for the treatment of recalcitrant greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GPTS) by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the greater trochanteric sensory nerve (GTsn). Here, we describe one patient suffering from recalcitrant GTPS treated with RFA of the GTsn in the outpatient pain clinic setting. Over the eight months subsequent to treatment, the patient was monitored for changes in the Numerical Pain Rating (NPR) and Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS). The patient demonstrated meaningful symptomatic and functional improvement as measured by both NPR and LEFS. GTsn RFA may be a viable treatment option for recalcitrant GTPS. Larger comparative trials are needed to establish improved results over conventional treatments.

Open Versus Arthroscopic Surgical Management for Recalcitrant Trochanteric Bursitis: A Systematic Review

Background

While excision of the trochanteric bursae to treat lateral hip pain has increased in popularity, no comparison exists between the surgical outcomes and complications of the open and arthroscopic techniques involving trochanteric bursectomy. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacies and complication rates of arthroscopic and open techniques for procedures involving trochanteric bursectomy.

Methods

The terms "trochanteric," "bursectomy," "arthroscopic," "open," "outcomes," and "hip" were searched in five electronic databases. Fifteen studies from 120 initial results were included. Patient-reported outcomes (PRO), pain, satisfaction, and complications were included for analysis.

Results

Five hundred-two hips in 474 total patients (77.7% female) were included in this study. The average age was 54. The fourteen distinct PRO scores that were reported by the included studies improved significantly from baseline to final mean follow-up (12-70.8 months for open; 12-42 months for arthroscopic) for both approaches, demonstrating statistically significant patient benefit in a variety of hip arthroscopy settings (P > 0.05). The complication rates of all procedures ranged from 0%-33% and failure to improve pain ranged from 0%-8%. Patient satisfaction with surgery was high at 95% and 82% reported a willingness to undergo the same surgery again. No significant mean differences were found between the open and arthroscopic techniques.

Conclusion

The open and arthroscopic approaches for trochanteric bursectomy are both safe and effective procedures in treating refractory lateral hip pain. No significant differences in PROs, pain, total complications, severity of complications, and total failures were seen between technique outcomes.Level of Evidence: IV.

Individuals with gluteal tendon repair display similar hip biomechanics to those of a healthy cohort during a sit-to-stand task

BACKGROUND

Gluteal-tendon repair (GTR) is reported to be effective for relieving pain and improving clinical function in patients with gluteal-tendon tears. The sit-to-stand (STS) task is an important activity of daily living and is often used to assess functional capacity in clinical populations. Understanding if and how STS performance is altered in individuals with gluteal tendon repair may be an effective marker of GTR outcomes as well as a possible therapeutic target for post-operative rehabilitation.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Do biomechanical parameters during STS differ between age- and sex-matched participants with and without gluteal-tendon repair?

METHODS

27 participants with a GTR and 29 healthy participants performed the STS task. Data were acquired using the three-dimensional motion capture system and forceplates. Outcomes of interest were task duration, rate of force development, trunk, pelvis, and hip joint angles, moments and powers. Differences were assessed using Generalised linear multivariate models and statistical parametric mapping.

RESULTS

GTR patients performed the STS movement significantly slower (1.4+/- 0.40 s) compared to controls (1.1+/ -0.2 s) with a significantly lower rate of force development (35.1+/- 5.7 N/kg/ms vs 30.3+/- 8.5 N/kg/ms). There were no group differences for hip, pelvis, or trunk angle over the movement cycle or for maximal or minimal values. Furthermore, there were no significant differences detected in hip joint kinetics. However, there appeared to be substantial between-subject variability indicating different patient-specific movements patterns.

SIGNIFICANCE

Individuals with a GTR performed the STS task about 20 % slower than healthy controls with a lower rate of force development. The individual variations indicate that participants likely employed different movement strategies to achieve STS. While the lack of differences between groups could suggest that GTR helps restore function and corrects the proposed underlying aetiology, it is possible that the STS task was not sufficiently challenging to discriminate between groups.

Treatment of Gluteal Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review and Stage-Adjusted Treatment Recommendation

Background:

Gluteal tendinopathy is the most common lower limb tendinopathy. It presents with varying severity but may cause debilitating lateral hip pain.

Purpose:

To review the therapeutic options for different stages of gluteal tendinopathy, to highlight gaps within the existing evidence, and to provide guidelines for a stage-adjusted therapy for gluteal tendinopathy.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We screened Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, PubMed Central, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, UpToDate, and Google Scholar databases and databases for grey literature. Patient selection, diagnostic criteria, type and effect of a therapeutic intervention, details regarding aftercare, outcome assessments, complications of the treatment, follow-up, and conclusion of the authors were recorded. An assessment of study methodological quality (type of study, level of evidence) was also performed. Statistical analysis was descriptive. Data from multiple studies were combined if they were obtained from a single patient population. Weighted mean and range calculations were performed.

Results:

A total of 27 studies (6 randomized controlled trials) with 1103 patients (1106 hips) were included. The mean age was 53.7 years (range, 17-88 years), and the mean body mass index was 28.3. The ratio of female to male patients was 7:1. Radiological confirmation of the diagnosis was most commonly obtained using magnetic resonance imaging. Reported treatment methods were physical therapy/exercise; injections (corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma, autologous tenocytes) with or without needle tenotomy/tendon fenestration; shockwave therapy; therapeutic ultrasound; and surgical procedures such as bursectomy, iliotibial band release, and endoscopic or open tendon repair (with or without tendon augmentation).

Conclusion:

There was good evidence for using platelet-rich plasma in grades 1 and 2 tendinopathy. Shockwave therapy, exercise, and corticosteroids showed good outcomes, but the effect of corticosteroids was short term. Bursectomy with or without iliotibial band release was a valuable treatment option in grades 1 and 2 tendinopathy. Insufficient evidence was available to provide guidelines for the treatment of partial-thickness tears. There was low-level evidence to support surgical repair for grades 3 (partial-thickness tears) and 4 (full-thickness tears) tendinopathy. Fatty degeneration, atrophy, and retraction can impair surgical repair, while their effect on patient outcomes remains controversial.

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome: Evaluation and management of a wide spectrum of pathology

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is a common cause of lateral hip pain, encompassing a spectrum of disorders, including trochanteric bursitis, abductor tendon pathology, and external coxa saltans. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is primarily a clinical diagnosis, and careful clinical examination is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. A thorough history and physical exam may be used to help differentiate greater trochanteric pain syndrome from other common causes of hip pain, including osteoarthritis, femoroacetabular impingement, and lumbar stenosis. Although not required for diagnosis, plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging may be useful to exclude alternative pathologies or guide treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome. The majority of patients with greater trochanteric pain syndrome respond well to conservative management, including physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections. Operative management is typically indicated in patients with chronic symptoms refractory to conservative therapy. A wide range of surgical options, both open and endoscopic, are available and should be guided by the specific etiology of pain. The purpose of this review is to highlight pertinent clinical and radiographic features used in the diagnosis and management of greater trochanteric pain syndrome. In addition, treatment indications, techniques, and outcomes are described.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment for Gluteal Tendinopathy patient reported-outcome measure (VISA-G.BR)

BACKGROUND

Different outcome measures can be used to assess pain and disability in individuals with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS), including the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment for Gluteal Tendinopathy (VISA-G), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) and Global Perceived Effect (GPE).

OBJECTIVE

To translate, cross-culturally adapt and validate VISA-G to Brazilian Portuguese and to evaluate the measurement properties of the VISA-G.BR, ODI, GPE, and PSFS in individuals with GTPS.

DESIGN

This is a longitudinal clinimetric study.

METHODS

Sixty-eight individuals with GTPS participated in this study. The questionnaires VISA-G.BR, ODI, PSFS, and GPE were administered to participants at the initial assessment, 24-48 h and 30 days after the initial assessment. Internal consistency and construct validity for the VISA-G.BR were assessed. Reliability, agreement, ceiling and floor effect, and responsiveness were described for all instruments.

RESULTS

The Cronbach Alpha for internal consistency value for VISA-G.BR was 0.65. The construct validity analysis showed a strong correlation value between ODI and VISA-G.BR (r = -0.77). The agreement analysis performed for all questionnaires showed standard error of measurement values ranging from 0.64 (PSFS) to 4.2 (VISA-G.BR). GPE scale had a floor effect. The responsiveness analysis performed for all questionnaires showed low values of effect size ranging from -0.07 to 0.3.

CONCLUSION

The VISA-G.BR is a valid and reliable instrument to assess the disability of individuals with GTPS. The ODI and PSFS instruments can also be used in the evaluation of this population.

Atypical femoral fracture as the cause of greater trochanteric pain syndrome - a case report

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome may be caused by atypical femoral fractures, and this should be taken into consideration in the diagnostic workout. A 63-year-old woman was referred to our orthopedic outpatient hip clinic with a history of greater trochanteric pain syndrome without known trauma for 1 year. Initially X-ray of the hip and magnetic resonance imaging were found without pathology, and she was given a diagnosis of gluteus medius tendinopathy. As physiotherapy and steroid injections did not resolve her pain, a second look on the magnetic resonance imaging and X-ray revealed a discrete atypical femoral fracture in the lateral cortex with the presence of an isolated Looser zone, which were attributed to her pain syndrome. Two years after onset of symptoms, and with no pain relief on medical treatment, she was treated with an intramedullary nail. One-year postoperative the patient was pain free. This case emphasizes the important utility of magnetic resonance imaging in refractory greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

Pathogenesis and contemporary diagnoses for lateral hip pain: a scoping review

PURPOSE

Recent advances in diagnostic imaging techniques and soft tissue endoscopy now allow for precise diagnosis and management of extra-articular hip pathology. The aim of this scoping review is to present an evidence-based update of the relevant literature focussing only on the pathoanatomy, clinical assessment and the diagnosis of pathology in the peritrochanteric space.

METHODS

A literature search was performed on PubMed to include articles which reported on the anatomy and diagnosis of greater trochanteric pain syndrome, trochanteric bursitis, gluteus medius tears and external snapping hip syndrome.

RESULTS

A total of 542 studies were identified, of which 49 articles were included for full text analysis for the scoping review. Peritrochanteric space pathology can be broadly classified into (1) greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), (2) abductor tears and (3) external snapping hip syndrome. Anatomically, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and tensor fascia lata work in conjunction to abduct and internally rotate the hip. The anterolateral part of the gluteus medius tendon is more prone to tears due to a thin tendinous portion. Increased acetabular anteversion has also been shown to be associated with gluteal and trochanteric bursitis. In terms of clinical examination, tests which were found to be most useful for assisting in the diagnoses of lateral hip pain were the single-leg stance, resisted external derotation of the hip, hip lag sign and the Trendelenburg's test. Dynamic ultrasound along with guided injections and MRI scan do assist in differentiating the pathology and confirming the diagnosis in patients presenting with lateral hip pain. Finally, the assessment of baseline psychological impairment is essential in this group of patients to ensure outcomes are optimised.

CONCLUSION

Lateral hip pain used to be a poorly defined entity, but advances in imaging and interest in sports medicine have led to a better understanding of the pathology, presentation and management of this cohort of patients. A thorough appreciation of the anatomy of the abductor musculature, specific clinical signs and imaging findings will lead to an appropriate diagnosis being made and management plan instituted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Back to the roots of rheumatology - Imaging of regional pain syndromes

Musculoskeletal regional pain syndromes (RPS) often lead to patient referrals in general and rheumatological practice. Detailed history taking and clinical examination can, in most cases, reveal the cause for pain and direct the subsequent management of the conditions. Yet, when in doubt, imaging methods, such as ultrasound (US) may support the clinical assessment. This paper reviews the underlying pathologies of some of the most frequently encountered RPS and the role of musculoskeletal US imaging for their diagnosis and treatment. If available, data on diagnostic accuracy and comparisons with gold standards are reported. The article stresses the importance of anatomical and sonoanatomical knowledge for the proper interpretation of the US images, points out the advantages and disadvantages of this imaging tool, and suggests the future research agenda.

People after gluteal tendon repair have gait characteristics which are similar to those of a healthy cohort

BACKGROUND

Gluteal-tendon repair is reported to be effective for relieving pain and improving function in patients with gluteal-tendon tears. However, post-operative three-dimensional gait analysis has never been conducted in gluteal-tendon repair patients. Thus, our primary aim was to investigate how biomechanical gait parameters differ between age- and sex-matched participants with and without gluteal-tendon repair.

METHODS

Vicon motion analysis technology was used to measure gait characteristics of 25 gluteal-tendon repair participants and 29 matched healthy comparison group participants. A generalised linear multivariate model was used to compare external hip-adduction moment, range of movement in hip adduction and internal rotation, pelvic obliquity, trunk lean, stride length and velocity of both cohorts throughout stance.

FINDINGS

There were no differences between the groups in external hip adduction moment, pelvic obliquity and range of movement in hip adduction and internal rotation. Gluteal-tendon repair participants had a shorter stride length (P = 0.031) and reduced walking velocity (P = 0.015). Ipsilateral trunk lean was reduced in gluteal-tendon repair participants at the first-peak external hip-adduction moment (P = 0.016), mid-stance minimum external hip-adduction moment (P = 0.029) and second-peak external hip-adduction moment (P = 0.006).

INTERPRETATION

There were no differences between the gluteal-tendon repair and comparison groups for external hip-adduction moment and pelvic obliquity. This suggests that gluteal-tendon repair may restore hip control in stance. Slower walking speed, reduced stride length and decreased ipsilateral trunk lean may reflect persistence of pre-operatively developed gait adaptations. Future studies of gait biomechanics before and after gluteal-tendon repair would be needed to substantiate this theory.

The pathological features of hip abductor tendon tears - a cadaveric study

Background

The hip abductors are crucial in maintaining pelvic stability. Tears in these tendons are common and often debilitating. There is uncertainty regarding both the histological and macroscopic features of hip abductor tears. This study aims to clarify both the macroscopic and microscopic features of the tendon and enthesis in hip abductor tendon tears.

Methods

Thirty-six cadavers with an average age of 81 were dissected, and the hip abductor mechanisms removed en-bloc. The presence, location and size of the tears were recorded and analysed. The samples were processed into histological blocks and viewed using both transmitted and polarised light. Tendon histology was graded using the modified Movin’s score in three sections (deep, middle and superficial layers) and the enthesis graded separately using 5-point criteria. Analysis of variance was used to confirm histological features associated with tears.

Results

Tears were found in 24 of 36 samples (67%). The most common finding was an isolated tear in the gluteus minimus (46%), followed by concurrent gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tears (33%). Histology revealed significantly more degeneration in both the tendon (p = 0.0005) and enthesis (p = 0.0011) when tears were present. Furthermore, these changes were concentrated in the deeper layers of the tendon (p = 0.0002) and enthesis (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated degeneration as the primary pathology underlying hip abductor tendon tears. Degenerative changes occur in both the tendon and enthesis, with the deeper layers predominantly affected. These findings are important for guiding surgical repair techniques and to aid the development of novel materials and biologics.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-020-03784-3.

Both open and endoscopic gluteal tendon repairs lead to functional improvement with similar failure rates: a systematic review

IMPORTANCE

Operative treatment of gluteal tendon tears is becomingly increasingly more common with varying surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review of gluteal tendon repair as it relates to tear characteristics, rehabilitation protocols, patient-reported outcomes, satisfaction, resolution of gait deviation and complication rates.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

A comprehensive literature search of PubMed and Embase/MEDLINE was used to identify all literature pertaining to gluteal tendon repair. A total of 389 articles were identified.

FINDINGS

A total of 22 studies (611 hips) were included in this review. The majority of tears were noted to be partial thickness (77.9% vs 22.1%). Both arthroscopic and open repair demonstrated improvements in functional outcomes. Within studies documenting gait deviation, 54% were noted to have gait deviation preoperatively, of which approximately 70% had resolution following repair. On average, abduction strength increased almost one whole grade (0.84) following repair. Overall complication rate was found to be 5.2% (20 of 388 hips). Endoscopic repair demonstrated a decreased complication rate compared with open (0.7% vs 7.8%). Retear rate was found to be 3.8%, with open repair having a slightly increased rate compared with endoscopic repair (3.4% vs 4.1%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The majority of tears tend to be partial thickness with involvement of gluteus medius in almost all cases and concomitant involvement of gluteus minimus in close to half of cases. Both endoscopic and open gluteal tendon repairs resulted in improvements in outcomes and functional improvement. Retear rates were similar between the two repair techniques, while endoscopic repair demonstrated a lower complication rate.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review.

Lesions of the abductors in the hip

Abductor tendon lesions and insertional tendinopathy are the most common causes of lateral thigh pain. Gluteal tendon pathology is more prevalent in women and frequency increases with age.

Chronic atraumatic tears result in altered lower limb biomechanics. The chief complaint is lateral thigh pain. Clinical examination should include evaluation of muscle strength, lumbar spine, hip and fascia lata pathology. The hip lag sign and 30-second single leg stance tests are useful in diagnosing abductor insufficiency.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold-standard investigation to identify abductor tendon tears and evaluate the extent of muscle fatty infiltration that has predictive value on the outcome of abductor repair.

Abductor tendinosis treatment is mainly conservative, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, local corticosteroid injections, plasma-rich protein, physical and radial shockwave therapy. The limited number of available high-quality studies on treatment outcomes and limited evidence between tendinosis and partial ruptures make it difficult to provide definite conclusions regarding the best management of gluteal tendinopathy.

Surgical management is indicated in complete and partial gluteal tendon tears that are unresponsive to conservative treatment.

There are various open and arthroscopic surgical procedures for direct repair of abductor tendon tears. There is limited evidence concerning surgical management outcomes. Prerequisites for effective tendon suturing are neurologic integrity and limited muscle fatty infiltration. Chronic irreparable tears with limited muscle atrophy and limited fatty infiltration can be augmented with grafts. Gluteus maximus or/vastus lateralis muscle transfers are salvage reconstruction procedures for the management of chronic end-stage abductor tears with significant tendon insufficiency or gluteal atrophy.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:464-476. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190094

Hip abductor tendon tears: where are we now?

Hip abductor tendon tear is a difficult problem to manage. The hip abductor mechanism is made up of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, both of which contribute to stabilising the pelvis through the gait cycle. Tears of these tendons are likely due to iatrogenic injury during arthroplasty and chronic degenerative tendinopathy. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging have provided limited clues regarding the pattern of disease and further work is required to clarify both the macro and microscopic pattern of disease. While surgery has been attempted over the last 2 decades, the outcomes are variable and the lack of high-quality studies have limited the uptake of surgical repair. Hip abductor tendon tears share many features with rotator cuff tears, hence, innovations in surgical techniques, materials and biologics may apply to both pathologies.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment for gluteal tendinopathy questionnaire in Italian and investigation of the association between tendinopathy-related disability and pain

BACKGROUND

The Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment for gluteal tendinopathy (VISA-G) questionnaire has recently been proposed as a condition-specific patient reported outcome measurement tool to assess the tendinopathy-related disability.

AIM

The aim was to evaluate the reliability of the Italian version of the VISA-G questionnaire and its construct validity and to investigate the association between tendinopathy-related disability and pain.

DESIGN

It consists in a cross-sectional study.

SETTING

The location of the study was a university laboratory.

POPULATION

We evaluated patients with gluteal tendinopathy (N.=38) and healthy controls (N.=38).

METHODS

Subjects were asked to fill the VISA-G questionnaire twice to evaluate its reliability. The construct validity was evaluated by comparing the VISA score with the Oswestry Disability Index score. Moreover, pain intensity, extent and location were also investigated.

RESULTS

The VISA-G scores showed non-significant changes in the median values and the values of intraclass correlation coefficient showed very high correlation between the first and second administration (ICC>0.90 in both populations). No significant correlations were found between VISA-G score and either pain extent (R=-0.05, P=0.76), or resting pain intensity (R=-0.13, P=0.45), or palpation pain intensity (R= 0.01, P=0.97). Conversely, a high (and significant) negative correlation was obtained between VISA-G score and Oswestry Disability Index score (R=-0.80, P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that the VISA-G Italian version presents excellent test-retest reliability.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

The evaluation of gluteal tendinopathy-related disability through VISA-G can be useful for the prognostic assessment and/or follow-up of tendinopathy patients in combination with the pain drawing assessment of pain extent.

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.

Sonoanatomy and Pathology of the Gluteus Minimus Tendon

Gluteus minimus disorders are a potential source of greater trochanteric or anterior hip pain. Disorders of the gluteus minimus tendon most commonly occur in conjunction with gluteus medius tendon abnormalities but can also occur in isolation. Understanding the sonoanatomy of the gluteus minimus muscle-tendon unit is a prerequisite for recognizing and characterizing gluteus minimus tendon disorders, which, in turn, guides treatment for patients with greater trochanteric or anterior hip pain syndromes.

A Prospective 2-Year Clinical Evaluation of Augmented Hip Abductor Tendon Repair

Background:

Hip abductor tendon (HAT) tearing is commonly implicated in greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Studies reporting surgical outcomes are often on small cohorts and with limited information on functional improvement.

Purpose:

To report the 2-year clinical and functional outcomes in a series of patients undergoing HAT repair augmented with a ligament augmentation and reconstruction system (LARS) ligament.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Between October 2012 and December 2016, a total of 142 patients with symptomatic HAT tears underwent open bursectomy, V-Y lengthening, and reattachment of the tendon with suture anchors augmented with a LARS ligament. This included 132 women (93%) with a mean age of 64.3 years (range, 43-84 years), a mean body mass index of 28.2 kg/m² (range, 20.0-41.3 kg/m²), and an average duration of symptoms of 4.0 years (range, 6 months-20 years). Following surgery, patients underwent a graduated rehabilitation program consisting of hydrotherapy and land-based exercises. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were evaluated preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively with the Harris Hip Score, Oxford Hip Score, 12-item Short Form Health Survey, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Hip range of motion, hip abduction strength, 30-s single-leg stance (SLS), and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) capacity were evaluated. Patient satisfaction and perceived global rating of change were evaluated postsurgery. Analysis of variance was employed to evaluate clinical improvement over time.

Results:

A significant improvement (P < .05) was demonstrated up to 24 months in all PROMs and clinical scores, including hip range of motion in all planes, hip abductor strength limb symmetry indices (mean ± SD; presurgery, 90.1% ± 42.5%; 24 months, 102.6% ± 15.0%), and the 6MWT (presurgery, 421.8 ± 91.9 m; 24 months, 509.7 ± 105.1 m). Furthermore, several variables, including pain (VAS and pain scores during the 6MWT and 30-s SLS) and patient-perceived improvement (global rating of change), continued to improve from 12 to 24 months. At 24 months, 95.7% of patients were satisfied with their surgical outcome (excluding 3 patients who underwent reoperation within the 24-month period). There was a 5.6% (n = 8) failure rate over the study period.

Conclusion:

HAT repair augmented with a synthetic ligament demonstrated significantly improved clinical and functional outcomes, high levels of patient satisfaction, and a relatively low failure rate up to 24 months postsurgery.

Registration:

ACTRN12616001655437 (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry).

An international survey of current physiotherapy practice in diagnosis and knowledge translation of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS)

PURPOSE

To evaluate how physiotherapists across three countries (Australia, New Zealand (NZ) and Ireland) diagnose greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) using clinical tests and imaging findings, and how physiotherapists update their knowledge regarding GTPS.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional observational study of physiotherapists.

METHODS

An online survey was distributed to registered physiotherapists in Australia, NZ and Ireland. Ordinal and nominal data were analysed using frequency counts or mean ranks; medians and interquartile ranges were calculated for numerical data. Comparisons between the three countries were made using Chi-squared analyses for nominal/ordinal data and Kruskal Wallis tests for numerical data. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS/FINDINGS

Valid responses were received from 361 physiotherapists; 61% were female and 79.8% worked in private practice. Most respondents were very confident in diagnosing GTPS (67.9%) and incorporated a range of symptoms and tests, including validated tests, in their diagnosis. However, many physiotherapists were not commonly using some available validated diagnostic tests (e.g. FABER and FADER-R). Approximately 30% of physiotherapists used imaging to inform assessment, with ultrasound being most preferred. Physiotherapists rated hands-on experience as most valuable for updating their knowledge of GTPS, followed by courses.

CONCLUSION

While most clinicians appear to be using current evidence in their assessment of patients with GTPS, a proportion use suboptimal methods and/or a limited range of diagnostic tests, suggesting that despite their confidence in diagnosis, further knowledge translation may be required. Future research should determine the best methods of facilitating knowledge acquisition and translation of research into practice.

Identification and differentiation of gluteus medius tendon pathology using ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that imaging findings play a role in directing treatment for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome. Structural diagnoses associated with Greater Trochanter Pain Syndrome include gluteal tendinosis, and partial- or full-thickness gluteal tendon tears. However, few studies have compared imaging to confirmed tendon pathology observed during surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the ability of magnetic resonance and ultrasound imaging to identify the presence of a pathological gluteus medius tendon in comparison to surgical and histological findings.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

26 participants undergoing gluteal tendon reconstruction surgery or hip arthroplasty were included. Prior to surgery, participants underwent both magnetic resonance (MR) (n = 23) and ultrasound (US) (n = 25) imaging. A radiologist (MR) and nuclear physicians (US) classified the gluteus medius tendon as normal, tendinosis (no tear), partial-thickness tear, or full-thickness tear.

RESULTS

Ultrasound identified 17 out of the 19 pathological gluteus medius tendons correctly. However, 5 of the 6 normal tendons were incorrectly identified as exhibiting pathology on ultrasound. Magnetic resonance rated 11 out of 17 pathological tendons as abnormal, with 4 out of 6 normal tendons identified correctly. Both imaging modalities were poor at identifying and differentiating between tendinosis and partial-thickness tears.

CONCLUSION

Both imaging modalities showed a reasonable ability to identify tendon pathology. While limited by sample size, these early findings suggest that both imaging modalities may be limited in identifying specific pathoanatomical diagnoses, such as partial-thickness tears. These limitations may misdirect treatment.

Does Dynamic Tape change the walking biomechanics of women with greater trochanteric pain syndrome? A blinded randomised controlled crossover trial

OBJECTIVES

There is considerable debate among clinicians as to whether sports tape can provide mechanical support and pain relief. People with greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) have increased adduction moment, adduction angle and pelvic obliquity, likely contributing to the continuation of the pathology. We aimed to see if Dynamic Tape^® could control these movements and reduce pain.

METHODS

Fifty women with GTPS participated in a three-dimensional gait analysis. Each participant performed three walking trials: baseline, and two subsequent trials, with active and sham applications of Dynamic Tape. The order of active and sham taping was randomised. Differences in kinetic and kinematic data were analysed using mixed model linear regressions for each condition. Pain scores were obtained before and immediately after walking trials.

RESULTS

Hip adduction moment was reduced at first peak by both active (p < 0.001) and sham tape (p = 0.028), with no between group difference; at second peak by the active taping (p < 0.001), with a between-group difference (p < 0.001). Adduction angle was reduced at first peak by both active (p < 0.001) and sham taping (p = 0.026), with the active taping producing a larger effect (p = 0.004); at mid-stance by active taping (p = 0.003), with a between-group difference (p = 0.002); there was no reduction at second peak. Internal rotation was reduced at the first (p < 0.001) and second peaks (p < 0.001), and mid-stance by the active taping alone (p < 0.001). Pelvic obliquity was reduced at the first peak (p = 0.019), mid-stance (p < 0.001) and second peak (p < 0.001) by the active tape, with a between-group difference at mid-stance (p = 0.03). Both the active and sham taping resulted in a clinically meaningful pain reduction.

CONCLUSION

Dynamic Tape produced a mechanical effect and a meaningful reduction in pain in women with GTPS. The extent that placebo or somatosensory input may have had on these results is not clear.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12617001611314.

A survey of physiotherapy practice (2018) in the United Kingdom for patients with greater trochanteric pain syndrome

PURPOSE

Greater Trochanteric Pain syndrome (GTPS) is a debilitating condition causing lateral hip pain. It affects up to 23.5% of women and 8% of men between 50 and 75 years old. Sufferers report comparable quality of life and functional performance to patients with end stage osteoarthritis of the hip. Understanding of optimal management strategies for GTPS remains limited. Hence, the purpose of this cross-sectional survey was to describe current UK physiotherapy practice so as to understand current practice and inform the systematic development of a physiotherapy intervention.

METHODS

An online survey was developed and distributed via Twitter, the interactive Chartered Society of Physiotherapy website, Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists and the professional networks of the authors via email. Responses were collected over a four-week period, this was finalised in April 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 409 surveys were submitted; 382 were eligible for use. Nearly all physiotherapists were either somewhat, or very confident diagnosing (372/382; 97.4%) and treating (372/382; 97.4%) patients with GTPS. The management strategies most commonly used were: education on load management (377/381; 98.7%) and self-management strategies (375/381; 98.4%). Strengthening exercises (376/382; 98.4%) were commonly used and targeted to the hip abductors (355/379; 93.7%). Most frequently these exercises were delivered using a combination of home exercise programme (380/380; 100%) and one-to-one exercise sessions (344/377; 91.2%).

CONCLUSION

The data from this large survey highlights that physiotherapists in the UK most commonly use education on load management and self-management strategies, alongside strengthening exercises targeting the hip abductors for patients with GTPS.

Single- Versus Double-Row Repair of Hip Abductor Tears: A Biomechanical Matched Cadaver Study

PURPOSE

The purposes of this study were (1) to evaluate the percentage of gluteus medius and minimus tendon footprint restoration that can be achieved with fixation using single-row repair versus double-row repair and (2) to evaluate the yield load of a repair of the gluteus medius and minimus tendon using single-row versus double-row repair techniques.

METHODS

Twelve human fresh-frozen cadaveric hip specimens (6 matched pairs, 4 female, mean age 47.5 ± 14.5 years) were tested. Specimens were excluded if they had any prior hip surgery or injury, if any abnormality of the tendon was noted on dissection, or if they had a body mass index <20 or >35 or a T-score <2.0 on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scanning. Matched pairs were randomized to receive either double-row repair with 2 standard suture anchors and 2 knotless anchor devices or a single-row repair with suture anchors only. The percentage of the footprint area covered after repair was determined using a computer-assisted digitization algorithm. With a mechanical testing system, each repaired specimen was tested for mechanical strength first with cyclic loading and then load to failure testing.

RESULTS

Footprint coverage of the lateral facet was significantly greater for double-row repair (mean 76.6%) compared with single-row repair (mean 50.3%) (P = .03). There was no significant difference between single- and double-row repair for posterior-superior or anterior facet coverage. Mechanical testing showed a higher mean yield load for double-row anchor repair (197.6 ± 61.7 N vs 163.5 ± 35.4 N for single-row repair), but this did not reach statistical significance (P = .15). The predominant mode of failure was suture pullout through the musculotendinous unit (9/12 specimens: 5 double-row and 4 single-row).

CONCLUSIONS

For hip abductor tears, double-row suture repair yields improved footprint coverage compared with single-row repair. Although it did not reach statistical significance, there was a higher mean yield load in the double-row group.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Double-row suture fixation technique for hip abductor tears maximizes strength and footprint coverage of the repair.

Focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy for greater trochanteric pain syndrome with gluteal tendinopathy: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate if focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (f-ESWT) is an effective treatment in a population affected by greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS).

DESIGN:

Randomized controlled trial, with blind outcome assessors.

SETTING:

Outpatients, University Hospital.

SUBJECTS:

A total of 50 patients affected by GTPS with gluteal tendinopathy.

INTERVENTIONS:

The study group was assigned to receive f-ESWT, the control group received ultrasound therapy (UST).

MAIN MEASURES:

We assessed hip pain and lower limb function by means of a numeric rating scale (p-NRS) and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS scale), respectively. The first follow-up evaluation (2M-FUP) was performed two months after the first treatment session, the second (6M-FUP) was carried out six months later.

RESULTS:

The mean age of the population was 61.24 (9.26) years. A marked prevalence of the female sex was recorded (44 subjects, 86%). The statistical analysis showed a significant pain reduction over time for the study group and the control group, the f-ESWT proving to be significantly more effective than UST ( P < 0.05) at the 2M-FUP (2.08 vs 3.36) and at the 6M-FUP (0.79 vs 2.03). A marked improvement of the LEFS total score was observed in both groups as well, but we found no statistical differences in the comparisons between groups.

CONCLUSION:

Our findings support the hypothesis that f-ESWT is effective in reducing pain, both in the short-term and in the mid-term perspective. We also observed a functional improvement in the affected lower limb, but, in this case, f-ESWT showed not to be superior to UST.

The use of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome: a systematic literature review

This review aims to determine whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has any role in improving clinical outcomes in patients with symptomatic greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). A search of NICE healthcare database advanced search (HDAS) via Athens (PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and AMED databases) was conducted from their year of inception to April 2018 with the keywords: ‘greater trochanteric pain syndrome’ or ‘GTPS’ or ‘gluteus medius’ or ‘trochanteric bursitis’ and ‘platelet rich plasma’ (PRP). A quality assessment was performed using the JADAD score for RCTs and MINORS for non-RCT studies. Five full-text articles were included for analysis consisting of three RCTs and two case series. We also identified four additional studies from published conference abstracts (one RCT and three case series). The mean age in 209 patients was 58.4 years (range 48–76.2 years). The majority of patients were females and the minimum duration of symptoms was three months. Diagnosis was made using ultrasound or MRI. Included studies used a variety of outcome measures. Improvement was observed during the first 3 months after injection. Significant improvement was also noted when patients were followed up till 12 months post treatment. PRP seems a viable alternative injectable option for GTPS refractory to conservative measures. The current literature has revealed that PRP is relatively safe and can be effective. Considering the limitations in these studies, more large-sample and high-quality randomized clinical trials are required in the future to provide further evidence of the efficacy for PRP as a treatment in GTPS.

Long-term outcome of low-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy on gluteal tendinopathy documented by magnetic resonance imaging

Background

Previous outcome studies for extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) have included clinically diagnosed greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). The purpose of this study is to investigate outcome of ESWT on GTPS with gluteal tendinopathy documented by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Medical records of 38 consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed, who underwent ESWT for GTPS with MRI-documented gluteal tendinopathy (> 6 months). ESWT was conducted (1/week) when the Roles-Maudsley score (RMS) showed “Poor” or “Fair” grade after conservative treatment until RMS had reached “Good” or “Excellent” grade (treatment success) or until 12 treatments had been applied. Numeric rating scale (NRS) and RMS were evaluated before, 1 week after (immediate follow-up) and mean 27 months after ESWT program (long-term follow-up). Success rate was calculated at each follow-up point.

Results

Initial NRS (5.9 ± 1.6) significantly decreased at immediate (2.5 ± 1.5, p< 0.01) and long-term follow-up (3.3 ± 3.0, p< 0.01), respectively. Success rates were 83.3% (immediate) and 55.6% (long-term), respectively. There was no correlation among age, symptom duration and NRS.

Conclusion

Low-energy ESWT can be an effective treatment for pain relief in chronic GTPS with MRI-documented gluteal tendinopathy. However, its long-term effect appears to decrease with time.

Gluteal Loading Versus Sham Exercises to Improve Pain and Dysfunction in Postmenopausal Women with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the current study was to determine the effects of education with targeted or sham exercise on pain and function in postmenopausal women with greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS).

BACKGROUND

Conservative management of GTPS is poorly described, and to date, there have been no studies on education with exercise as an intervention for GTPS. Ninety-four postmenopausal women with GTPS were recruited to participate in this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants were randomized to receive one of two 12-week exercise programs (GLoBE vs. sham). Participants received education on avoiding tendon compression with appropriate activity modification. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Gluteal tendon (VISA-G) was examined at baseline, 12, and 52 weeks. Secondary outcomes included hip pain and function questionnaires (Hip dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), Oxford Hip Score (OHS), and Lateral Hip Pain questionnaire), a global rating of change in symptom questionnaire, and a quality of life measure (Assessment of Quality of Life [AQoL]-8D). Differences between groups were analyzed using intention to treat with analysis of covariance, per-protocol analysis, and responder analysis.

RESULTS

Responders to the GLoBE intervention had significantly better VISA-G, HOOS, OHS, and lateral hip pain questionnaire scores compared to responders in the sham group. However, intention to treat analyses showed no between-group differences for the GLoBE intervention and sham exercise groups. Significant improvement in VISA-G score was found for both programs at 12- and 52-weeks time points (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Lack of treatment effect was found with the addition of an exercise program to a comprehensive education on GTPS management. The improved outcomes of the responders in the GLoBE group indicate that there may be a subgroup of patients with a GTPS diagnosis that benefit from a GLoBE intervention program.

The Effect of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix at the Time of Gluteus Medius Repair: A Retrospective Comparative Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) on outcomes after surgical repair of gluteus medius tendons.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data comparing patients who underwent gluteus medius repair with PRFM and patients without PRFM. Preoperative characteristics, intraoperative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes at a minimum of 1 year were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using a multivariate analysis of variance to test for differences in continuous demographic variables and postoperative-only scores between patient groups, χ² tests were performed for categorical variables, and a repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed to test for the effects of PRFM. We also assessed for interobserver variation in grading adductor tendon tears.

RESULTS

In total, the series of gluteus medius repairs without PRFM included 29 patients (25 women and 4 men, 15 right and 4 left) with a mean age of 63.09 ± 12.0 years. The series of gluteus medius repairs with PRFM included 18 patients (16 women and 2 men, 6 right and 12 left) with a mean age of 60.26 ± 8.8 years. There were no differences in patient preoperative variables or intraoperative characteristics. Although there was a significant effect of surgical intervention on the visual analog scale for pain, Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living, Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific, and modified Harris Hip Score, the use of PRFM had no significant effect on outcome. Linear models showed a significant positive effect of PRFM on only postoperative Short Form 12 Physical and International Hip Outcome Tool 12 scores.

CONCLUSIONS

PRFM augmentation does not appear to have an effect on gluteus medius tendon repair in terms of pain or clinical evidence of retears but may have a role in improving subjective outcomes of overall and hip-specific physical functioning.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Sonoanatomy and Pathology of the Posterior Band of the Gluteus Medius Tendon

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is a common clinical entity that most often results from disorders of the gluteus medius tendon. There are two distinct bands of the gluteus medius tendon, and abnormalities may affect the anterior or posterior band in isolation or simultaneously. Although abnormalities of the anterior band are more common, awareness and sonographic detection of posterior band abnormalities is essential to guide treatment in the setting of greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections With Needle Tenotomy for Gluteus Medius Tendinopathy: A Registry Study With Prospective Follow-up

BACKGROUND

Gluteal tendinopathy is a prevalent condition that can be associated with significant pain and disability. To date, no studies have prospectively assessed the efficacy of intratendinous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections as a minimally invasive treatment for gluteus medius tendinopathy.

PURPOSE

To prospectively assess the efficacy of intratendinous PRP injections as treatment for chronic recalcitrant gluteus medius tendinopathy.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

During the study period between July 2011 and November 2015, data were collected from the Hospital for Special Surgery Center for Hip Preservation Outcomes Registry on participants who underwent ultrasound-guided intratendinous PRP injections for recalcitrant gluteus medius tendinosis and/or partial tears of the tendon associated with moderate to severe lateral hip pain for longer than 3 months. All participants were assessed pre- and postinjection with 4 outcome measures: modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living subscale (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific subscale (HOS-Sport), and the International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33). Demographic data, including age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, and smoking status, were also collected.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients were included in the study, with a mean follow-up of 19.7 months (range, 12.1-32.3 months). The mean improvements from preinjection to postinjection follow-up were 56.73 to 74.17 for mHHS, 68.93 to 84.14 for HOS-ADL, 45.54 to 66.72 for HOS-Sport, and 34.06 to 66.33 for iHOT-33. All mean outcome measure improvements were clinically and statistically significant (P < .001). Length of follow-up was positively correlated with improvements in HOS-ADL (P = .021) and HOS-Sport (P = .004) scores. No adverse events were observed during or after the procedure.

CONCLUSION

In this registry study with prospective follow-up, we found ultrasound-guided intratendinous PRP injections to be a safe and effective treatment option for chronic recalcitrant gluteus medius tendinopathy due to moderate to severe tendinosis and/or partial tendon tears. Well-powered randomized controlled studies are warranted to confirm our findings and further define the ideal candidates for this treatment.

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: Percutaneous Tendon Fenestration Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Treatment of Gluteal Tendinosis

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to compare ultrasound-guided percutaneous tendon fenestration to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection for treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

METHODS

After Institutional Review Board approval was obtained, patients with symptoms of greater trochanteric pain syndrome and ultrasound findings of gluteal tendinosis or a partial tear (<50% depth) were blinded and treated with ultrasound-guided fenestration or autologous PRP injection of the abnormal tendon. Pain scores were recorded at baseline, week 1, and week 2 after treatment. Retrospective clinic record review assessed patient symptoms.

RESULTS

The study group consisted of 30 patients (24 female), of whom 50% were treated with fenestration and 50% were treated with PRP. The gluteus medius was treated in 73% and 67% in the fenestration and PRP groups, respectively. Tendinosis was present in all patients. In the fenestration group, mean pain scores were 32.4 at baseline, 16.8 at time point 1, and 15.2 at time point 2. In the PRP group, mean pain scores were 31.4 at baseline, 25.5 at time point 1, and 19.4 at time point 2. Retrospective follow-up showed significant pain score improvement from baseline to time points 1 and 2 (P< .0001) but no difference between treatment groups (P= .1623). There was 71% and 79% improvement at 92 days (mean) in the fenestration and PRP groups, respectively, with no significant difference between the treatments (P >.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that both ultrasound-guided tendon fenestration and PRP injection are effective for treatment of gluteal tendinosis, showing symptom improvement in both treatment groups.

The management of greater trochanteric pain syndrome: A systematic literature review

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of lateral hip pain. Most cases respond to conservative treatments with a few refractory cases requiring surgical intervention. For many years, this condition was believed to be caused by trochanteric bursitis, with treatments targeting the bursitis. More recently gluteal tendinopathy/tears have been proposed as potential causes. Treatments are consequently developing to target these proposed pathologies. At present there is no defined treatment protocol for GTPS. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to evaluate the current evidence for the effectiveness of GTPS interventions, both conservative and surgical.

Kinematics and kinetics during walking in individuals with gluteal tendinopathy

BACKGROUND

Lateral hip pain during walking is a feature of gluteal tendinopathy but little is known how walking biomechanics differ in individuals with gluteal tendinopathy. This study aimed to compare walking kinematics and kinetics between individuals with and without gluteal tendinopathy.

METHODS

Three-dimensional walking-gait analysis was conducted on 40 individuals aged 35 to 70 years with unilateral gluteal tendinopathy and 40 pain-free controls. An analysis of covariance was used to compare kinematic and kinetic variables between groups. Linear regression was performed to investigate the relationship between kinematics and external hip adduction moment in the gluteal tendinopathy group.

FINDINGS

Individuals with gluteal tendinopathy demonstrated a greater hip adduction moment throughout stance than controls (standardized mean difference ranging from 0.60 (first peak moment) to 0.90 (second peak moment)). Contralateral trunk lean at the time of the first peak hip adduction moment was 1.2 degrees greater (P=0.04), and pelvic drop at the second peak hip adduction moment 1.4 degrees greater (P=0.04), in individuals with gluteal tendinopathy. Two opposite trunk and pelvic strategies were also identified within the gluteal tendinopathy group. Contralateral pelvic drop was significantly correlated with the first (R=0.35) and second peak (R=0.57) hip adduction moment, and hip adduction angle with the second peak hip adduction moment (R=-0.36) in those with gluteal tendinopathy.

INTERPRETATION

Individuals with gluteal tendinopathy exhibit greater hip adduction moments and alterations in trunk and pelvic kinematics during walking. Findings provide a basis to consider frontal plane pelvic control in the management of gluteal tendinopathy.

The accuracy of diagnostic ultrasound imaging for musculoskeletal soft tissue pathology of the extremities: a comprehensive review of the literature

Musculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound imaging (MSK-DUSI) has been growing outside the traditional radiology speciality. Increased use of this technology has been reported in several healthcare settings, however an apparent gap in the knowledge of the accuracy of this diagnostic technology indicated a review was warranted. We undertook a structured review of the literature to assess the accuracy of MSK-DUSI for the diagnosis of musculoskeletal soft tissue pathology of the extremities. An electronic search of the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed database (1972 to mid-2014) was conducted. All relevant systematic reviews of diagnostic studies, all diagnostic studies published after the date of the latest systematic reviews and relevant diagnostic studies outside the scope the systematic reviews that directly compared the accuracy of MSK-DUSI (the index test) to an appropriate reference standard for the target condition were included. A fundamental appraisal of the methodological quality of studies was completed. The individual sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratio data were extracted and entered into diagnostic accuracy tables. A total of 207 individual studies were included. The results show that MSK-DUSI has acceptable diagnostic accuracy for a wide spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions of the extremities. However, there is a lack of high quality prospective experimental studies in this area and as such clinicians should interpret the results with some caution due to the potential for overestimation of diagnostic accuracy.