Gluteal Repair in Mount Pleasant, SC
Persistent pain on the outside of the hip, weakness while walking, or difficulty standing on one leg may be signs of a gluteus medius tear. When conservative treatments no longer provide relief, gluteal repair surgery may help restore hip strength, stability, and function. Blake Ohlson, M.D. offers comprehensive evaluation and advanced gluteal repair in Mount Pleasant, SC, providing personalized treatment plans for patients with gluteus medius injuries caused by sports, trauma, or degenerative conditions. His goal is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and help patients safely return to their daily activities.
What is Open Gluteus Medius Repair?
Open gluteus medius repair is a surgical procedure employed for the treatment of gluteus medius tears.
A gluteus medius tear or rupture is a condition characterized by a severe strain of the gluteus medius muscle that results in a partial or complete rupture of the muscle. These tears are most commonly seen in runners and athletes involved in high-impact sports such as soccer and basketball and can also occur due to traumatic injury or degenerative conditions such as tendinopathy (chronic inflammation of the gluteus medius tendon) or wear and tear.
What is Anatomy of the Gluteus Medius Muscle?
The gluteus medius is one of the major muscles of the hip, essential for the movement of the lower body and keeping the pelvis level during ambulation. The gluteus medius muscle arises from the top of the pelvic bone and attaches to the outer side of the thighbone or femur at the greater trochanter by the gluteus medius tendon. The muscle functions as a hip abductor, controlling the side-to-side movement of the hip and providing stabilization to the joint.
What is the Procedure for Open Gluteus Medius Repair?
Open gluteus medius repair surgery is mainly recommended to repair a complete, full-thickness gluteus medius tear that has not responded to conservative treatment. The goal of the surgery is to help restore the strength and function of the gluteus medius muscle and hip/pelvis function.
In general, open gluteus medius repair surgery will involve the following steps:
- You will be lying on your back (supine position) on the operating table.
- You will be administered either general or regional anesthesia.
- A 6- to 8-inch long incision is made directly over the gluteus medius tear around the hip joint area.
- The hip bursa will be removed, and the ruptured gluteus medius tendons will be identified.
- Suture anchors will be positioned in the greater trochanter and passed through the ruptured gluteus medius tendons to reunite tissues split up by traumatic injury or degeneration to their native anatomic location on the thigh bone.
- The incision is closed through the deep soft tissues and the skin with dissolvable sutures, and a sterile dressing is applied.
What Does Postoperative Care for Open Gluteus Medius Repair Involve?
In general, postoperative care instructions and recovery after open gluteus medius repair will involve the following steps:
- You will be transferred to the recovery area where your nurse will closely observe you for any allergic/anesthetic reactions and monitor your vital signs as you recover.
- You may need to stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days before discharge to home.
- You may notice some pain, swelling, and discomfort in the hip area. Pain and anti-inflammatory medications are provided as needed.
- You will be placed on assistive devices such as crutches with instructions on restricted weight-bearing for a specified period of time. You are encouraged to walk with assistance as frequently as possible to prevent blood clots.
- Keep the surgical site clean and dry. Instructions on surgical site care and bathing will be provided.
- Refrain from smoking as it can negatively affect the healing process.
- Refrain from strenuous activities for the first few months and lifting heavy weights for at least 6 months. Gradual increase in activities over a period of time is recommended.
- An individualized physical therapy protocol will be designed to help strengthen hip muscles and optimize hip function.
- Most patients are able to resume their normal activities in 3 to 4 weeks after surgery; however, return to sports may take at least 6 months or longer.
- Refrain from driving until you are fully fit and receive your doctor’s consent.
- A periodic follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your progress.
What are the Risks and Complications of Open Gluteus Medius Repair?
Open gluteus medius repair is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any surgery, some risks and complications may occur, such as the following:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Postoperative pain
- Damage to nerves and vessels
- Instability
- Thromboembolism or blood clots
- Anesthetic reactions
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Gluteal Repair in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Successful treatment of a gluteus medius tear requires an accurate diagnosis, expert surgical care, and a carefully planned rehabilitation program. Dr. Blake Ohlson provides individualized orthopedic care focused on restoring hip stability, reducing pain, and helping patients regain confidence in movement.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Comprehensive evaluation to determine the severity of gluteal tendon injuries
- Expertise in surgical treatment for gluteus medius tears and other complex hip conditions
- Personalized treatment plans based on each patient's symptoms, activity level, and recovery goals
- Advanced diagnostic imaging for accurate diagnosis and surgical planning
- Modern surgical techniques designed to restore tendon function and hip stability
- Individualized rehabilitation programs to safely rebuild strength, flexibility, and mobility
- Compassionate, patient-centered care focused on long-term functional recovery
Whether your injury developed gradually from tendon degeneration or resulted from a traumatic event, Dr. Ohlson works closely with you to create a treatment plan designed to support lasting recovery and an active lifestyle.
FAQs About Gluteal Repair in Mount Pleasant, SC
What is a gluteus medius tear?
A gluteus medius tear is a partial or complete injury to one of the primary muscles and tendons that stabilize the hip and pelvis. It can cause persistent pain, weakness, limping, and difficulty with walking or standing on one leg.
When is gluteal repair surgery recommended?
Surgery is typically considered when a complete or significant tendon tear does not improve with conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, medications, or injections, or when weakness and pain continue to interfere with daily activities.
How long is recovery after gluteal repair surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the extent of the injury and the individual's healing process. Patients usually begin physical therapy during recovery, while returning to sports or high-impact activities may take six months or longer.
Will I need crutches after gluteal repair?
Yes. Most patients use crutches and follow restricted weight-bearing guidelines for several weeks after surgery to protect the repaired tendon as it heals.
Can physical therapy help after gluteal repair?
Absolutely. Physical therapy is an essential part of recovery, helping restore hip strength, flexibility, balance, and normal walking mechanics while reducing the risk of reinjury.
Schedule a Gluteal Repair Consultation in Mount Pleasant, SC
If persistent hip pain or weakness is limiting your mobility, Dr. Blake Ohlson can determine whether gluteal repair is the right treatment for your condition.
Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and learn about personalized treatment options designed to restore hip function, relieve pain, and help you return to the activities you enjoy.