Abductor Tendon Tear
Explanation of Diagnosis
The abductor tendons connect the pelvis to the upper femur (thigh bone) and are essential for stabilizing the pelvis when standing on one leg—an important part of walking with a smooth and efficient gait.
The most common cause of abductor tendon tears is age-related degeneration of the tendon tissue. Less commonly, a tear can result from direct trauma to the hip area. Patients typically experience pain along the outer (lateral) aspect of the hip, often accompanied by a limp. The pain is frequently worse when lying on the affected side, particularly at night.
How is an Abductor Tendon Tear diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a thorough history and physical examination. The most common symptoms are lateral hip pain and a limp during walking.
If an abductor tear is suspected, your surgeon will order X-rays to evaluate the hip joint and rule out other potential causes of pain. An MRI scan is then obtained to confirm the diagnosis, determine the size of the tear, and assess the quality of the surrounding muscle tissue.
A diagnostic injection into the bursa (the fluid-filled sac next to the tendon) with a local anesthetic may also be performed. Because several conditions can cause hip pain, relief following this injection helps confirm that the abductor tendon is the true source of pain.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Initial treatment focuses on conservative (non-operative) management, which may include:
Activity modification to avoid movements that worsen pain.
Walking aids (such as a cane) to reduce load on the affected hip.
Physiotherapy to strengthen the hip and core muscles, improving stability and function.
Anti-inflammatory medications to decrease pain and swelling.
Injections (such as corticosteroids or biologic therapies) to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Not all abductor tendon tears require surgery. Many patients experience significant improvement with these non-surgical measures.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is considered for patients who have persistent symptoms despite conservative management. The goal of surgery is to reattach the torn tendon to the bone and restore hip function.
The tendon is typically repaired using anchors that secure it back to the upper femur. This can be performed arthroscopically (minimally invasive) or through a small open incision. In some cases, a tendon graft may be used to reinforce the repair.
If the tear is chronic and the tendon cannot be repaired, a tendon transfer procedure may be performed to restore hip stability and improve walking mechanics.
