Home › Body Atlas › Tendons › Gluteus Minimus Tendon at Greater Trochanter

Gluteus Minimus Tendon at Greater Trochanter

tendo musculi glutei minimi

The gluteus minimus tendon inserts onto the anterior facet of the greater trochanter, anterior and deep to the gluteus medius footprint. It is the deep component of the hip abductor-rotator cuff and assists in internal rotation and abduction of the hip. The minimus tendon is less commonly torn in isolation but is frequently involved in combined abductor cuff tears that extend anteriorly from the medius footprint.

Region: Pelvis & Hip

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Isolated gluteus minimus tears are uncommon; most tears occur as extension of gluteus medius tears onto the anterior trochanteric facet. MRI demonstrates a combined medius-minimus tear by signal change at both facets. In total hip arthroplasty approaches, the gluteus minimus is reflected with the gluteus medius in the anterolateral approach, and failure to repair both tendons to the greater trochanter results in Trendelenburg gait. The anterior approach to the hip passes between the tensor fasciae latae and the gluteus medius-minimus, which must be protected from retractor injury.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Combined Abductor Cuff Tear Involving Gluteus Minimus

Combined gluteus medius and minimus tendon tears at the greater trochanter produce a severe Trendelenburg gait and complete hip abductor weakness analogous to a massive rotator cuff tear; endoscopic repair with multiple bone anchors across both the posterior and anterior trochanteric facets restores abductor strength and gait.