Gluteus medius tendon tear

[pattygibson626]

My 83 year old mother had a gluteus medius tendon tear (completely) which was repaired in May of 2010.  She is still using a walker, and the muscles in her leg are getting weak.  Her doctor had done the repair surgery only one time before hers and doesn't know what to tell her to expect or if therapy is acceptable.  She is hoping to get off the walker and to drive again.  Is physical therapy appropriate after such surgery?  How long should she expect to be on the walker?  How can she find a doctor who can help her with treatment one year post-surgery?  Thanks so much for any help you can provide for her.

[intomuchpain8711]

A related discussion, glutes edius tear was started.

[Lori2356]

Where can I find a surgeon who is capable of repairing my torn gluteus medius tendon.  I live in Vero Beach, FL

[pattygibson626]

If a repair of the gluteus medius was not recommended, what would have been the proper treatment.  She was unable to walk, stand or lay down.  Before the tear, she was active, living alone and doing everything for herself.  Injections and physical therapy did not help, and she was in severe pain to the point of not eating because she couldn't walk to the kitchen.  Several doctors agreed that repair was the only option.  What would have been the alternative treatment?  Thanks.

[Michael L Gross, MD]

I might question the utility of repairing the gluteus medius in an 83 year old, I suspect there are degenerative changes to be found in the gluteal muscle of most patients over 80. Certainly, if she has not had PT, I dont think there is a problem to starting it at this point, since she is a year post op. I would also recommend new Xrays of her hip to see if she is arthritic.