The gluteus minimus tendon inserts on the anterior greater trochanter facet immediately anterior to the gluteus medius insertion. Gluteus minimus tears are often associated with or precede gluteus medius tears in greater trochanteric pain syndrome. MRI identifies the tendon footprint and tear characteristics. Anterior gluteus minimus tears produce the 'bald' greater trochanter appearance on coronal images.
| Muscle | |
|---|---|
| Attachment | Anterior facet of the greater trochanter, immediately anterior to the gluteus medius insertion |
Hip abduction and internal rotation force transmission; stabilises the femoral head; anterior greater trochanteric enthesis
Combined gluteus medius and minimus tears at the greater trochanteric footprint require assessment of both tendons on MRI before surgical planning, and isolated minimus tears are uncommon, most being an anterior extension of a medius tear. Endoscopic or open repair addresses both tendons with anchors across the trochanteric facets. Gluteus minimus tears alone produce a more anterior hip pain pattern than gluteus medius tears because of the anterior facet location. In hip replacement through an anterolateral approach both tendons are lifted from the trochanter, and failure of their repair leads to a Trendelenburg gait.
Anterior trochanteric footprint disruption often associated with gluteus medius tears in greater trochanteric pain syndrome requiring MRI assessment and surgical repair for complete tears.
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