Gluteal Tendon Repair

Repair of damaged gluteal tendons to improve hip stability, strength, and movement

Gluteal tendon repair is a procedure used to treat tears or significant degeneration of the gluteal tendons, which are key structures that support the strength and stability of the hip. These tendons attach the gluteal muscles to the outer part of the hip and play an important role in walking, balance, and everyday movement. When the gluteal tendons are damaged, you may experience pain on the outside of the hip, weakness, and difficulty with activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing on one leg. In some cases, symptoms may persist despite appropriate non-surgical treatment, including physiotherapy and activity modification.

Gluteal tendon repair may be considered when there is a confirmed tendon tear or ongoing symptoms that are significantly affecting your function and quality of life. The aim of the procedure is to re-anchor and support the tendon, helping restore strength and improve hip function.

A thorough assessment is important to determine whether this procedure is appropriate for your individual condition.

What is gluteal tendon repair?

Gluteal tendon repair is a surgical procedure used to treat tears or significant damage to the gluteal tendons, which attach the gluteal muscles to the outer part of the hip.

These tendons play an important role in stabilising the hip and supporting movement, particularly during activities such as walking, standing on one leg, and climbing stairs. When the tendons are torn or weakened, this can lead to pain on the outside of the hip, reduced strength, and difficulty with everyday activities.

During gluteal tendon repair, the damaged tendon is re-attached to the bone, often using small anchors or sutures to secure it in place. The aim is to restore the connection between the muscle and bone, allowing the tendon to heal and regain function over time.

The procedure may be performed using minimally invasive (arthroscopic) techniques or through an open approach, depending on the extent of the tendon damage and your individual anatomy.

Gluteal tendon repair is typically considered when there is a confirmed tendon tear and symptoms have not improved with appropriate non-surgical treatment.

When gluteal tendon repair may be recommended

Gluteal tendon repair may be considered when there is a confirmed tear or significant degeneration of the gluteal tendons, and symptoms are continuing to affect your mobility, strength, or daily activities.

This procedure is typically discussed after a period of non-surgical treatment, such as physiotherapy, activity modification, and other supportive measures, has not provided sufficient improvement.

Gluteal tendon repair may be recommended in situations such as:

Persistent pain on the outside of the hip, particularly when walking, standing, or lying on the affected side
Ongoing weakness or difficulty with balance, including trouble standing on one leg
A confirmed tendon tear on imaging, such as MRI or ultrasound
Symptoms that are progressively worsening or limiting your ability to stay active
Reduced response to appropriate rehabilitation and conservative care

In some cases, larger or more complex tendon tears may be more likely to require surgical repair, particularly where there is a loss of tendon function.

Not all gluteal tendon injuries require surgery. The decision to proceed with repair depends on a combination of your symptoms, imaging findings, activity level, and overall health.

Preparing for gluteal tendon repair surgery

Preparing for gluteal tendon repair surgery involves a combination of medical assessment, physical preparation, and practical planning to support your recovery.

To optimise your outcome, preparation may include:

Pre-surgical assessment
Dr Scott Tulloch will assess your condition through a clinical examination and imaging, such as MRI or ultrasound, to determine the extent of tendon damage and guide surgical planning.
Pre-surgery instructions
You will be provided with specific instructions prior to surgery. These may include guidance on fasting, managing or temporarily stopping certain medications, and preparing for your hospital admission. You may also be advised to organise walking aids, such as crutches, for use after surgery.
Lifestyle and health optimisation
Improving your overall health may support recovery. This can include maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking, and continuing with targeted exercises to support strength and mobility, where appropriate.
Planning for recovery at home
Following surgery, you may have temporary restrictions on weight-bearing or movement. Preparing your home environment, arranging support from family or friends, and setting up commonly used items within easy reach can help make your recovery more manageable.

Understanding the procedure and recovery process is an important part of preparation. Dr Scott Tulloch will discuss the surgical plan and expected rehabilitation, helping you prepare for each stage of your care.

What happens during gluteal tendon repair surgery

Gluteal tendon repair surgery is performed to re-attach and support damaged tendons on the outside of the hip, helping to restore strength and improve joint function.

Anaesthesia and positioning: The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, so you will be asleep throughout. You will be carefully positioned to allow safe and controlled access to the outer aspect of the hip.

Accessing the tendon: Dr Tulloch will access the damaged tendon using either a minimally invasive (arthroscopic) technique or an open approach, depending on the size and complexity of the tear.

Arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery uses small incisions and a camera to guide the repair
Open surgery may be used for larger or more complex tendon tears

Repairing the tendon: Once the damaged area is identified:

The tendon and surrounding tissue are carefully assessed
Any damaged or degenerated tissue may be cleaned or trimmed
The tendon is then re-attached to the bone using small anchors and sutures

These anchors secure the tendon in place, allowing it to heal back onto the bone over time.

Final checks and closure: The repair is checked to ensure appropriate tension and stability. The incisions are then closed and dressed, and you will be transferred to recovery for monitoring.

After the procedure: Following surgery, you will be provided with instructions regarding:

Weight-bearing and movement restrictions
Use of crutches or walking aids
Your rehabilitation program

The exact surgical approach and repair technique will be tailored to your individual tendon injury, anatomy, and functional goals.

Dr Scott Tulloch will explain your specific procedure and what to expect as part of your personalised treatment plan.

Understanding the risks and considerations

All surgical procedures carry potential risks, and gluteal tendon repair surgery is no exception. Understanding these risks and considerations can help you make an informed decision about your care.

General surgical risks

Some risks are common to most operations and may include:

Infection at the surgical site
Bleeding or wound complications
Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis)
Reactions to anaesthesia

These risks are carefully managed through standard surgical and post-operative care protocols.

Procedure-specific considerations

There are also risks specific to gluteal tendon repair, including:

Incomplete healing of the tendon or re-tear
Ongoing pain or stiffness around the hip
Weakness or reduced function during recovery
Scar tissue formation, which may affect movement
Irritation of nearby structures, including nerves or soft tissues

In some cases, recovery may take longer depending on the extent of the tendon damage and the type of repair performed.

Recovery considerations

Recovery after gluteal tendon repair often involves movement restrictions and a structured rehabilitation program. You may need to:

Use crutches or walking aids for a period of time
Follow specific weight-bearing guidelines
Commit to physiotherapy to support healing and restore function

Your progress can vary depending on your overall health, activity level, and adherence to rehabilitation.

Individualised risk assessment

The likelihood of specific risks varies between patients. Factors such as your age, general health, tendon quality, and lifestyle can all influence your outcome.

Dr Scott Tulloch will discuss the risks and considerations relevant to your individual situation, helping you understand the potential benefits and limitations of surgery.

What to expect after gluteal tendon repair surgery

Recovery after gluteal tendon repair surgery is a gradual and structured process, focused on protecting the repair, managing symptoms, and restoring strength and movement over time.

Hospital stay

Most patients are able to return home on the same day or after a short hospital stay, depending on the surgical technique used and your overall health.

Pain management

Some pain, swelling, and discomfort are expected in the early stages after surgery. These are typically managed with:

Medication prescribed by your care team
Cold therapy (ice) to help reduce swelling
Rest and gradual movement as guided by your recovery plan

Assistive devices and mobility

You may need to use crutches or a walker in the early phase of recovery to limit weight-bearing on the operated hip and protect the tendon repair.

Specific movement and weight-bearing restrictions will be provided based on your procedure and individual needs.

Wound care and discharge instructions

Before leaving hospital, you will receive clear instructions on:

Caring for your surgical wound
Managing pain and swelling
Recognising signs of complications, such as increasing redness, swelling, or discharge

Following these instructions is important to support healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Early recovery phase

In the first few weeks, your focus will be on:

Protecting the repair by following movement precautions
Gradually increasing gentle activity
Beginning a supervised physiotherapy program, where appropriate

You may experience stiffness or muscle weakness, which typically improves as rehabilitation progresses.

Ongoing recovery

Recovery continues over several months, with a gradual return to:

Walking without aids, as strength improves
Daily activities, depending on your progress
Targeted exercises to rebuild strength and stability around the hip

Your recovery timeline will vary depending on the extent of the tendon repair, your overall health, and your adherence to rehabilitation.

Dr Scott Tulloch will guide your recovery and provide individualised advice at each stage, helping you return to your normal activities safely and progressively.

Rehabilitation and recovery after surgery

Rehabilitation following gluteal tendon repair surgery is an important part of your recovery, focused on protecting the repair while gradually restoring strength, stability, and movement in the hip.

In the early stages after surgery, the priority is to allow the tendon to heal. You may be required to use crutches or a walker to limit weight-bearing on the operated side and follow specific movement precautions to avoid placing stress on the repair. During this time, you will begin gentle exercises, guided by your physiotherapist, to support circulation and reduce stiffness.

As healing progresses, your rehabilitation program will gradually increase in intensity. Exercises will focus on improving gluteal muscle strength, restoring balance and control, and helping you return to normal movement patterns. Walking distances and activity levels are increased progressively, based on your symptoms and recovery.

Over time, you will work towards returning to daily activities, such as walking independently, climbing stairs, and performing routine tasks with greater ease. The pace of recovery can vary depending on the extent of the tendon repair, your overall health, and your response to rehabilitation.

Recovery after gluteal tendon repair typically occurs over several months, with ongoing improvements in strength, movement, and confidence. Continued participation in your rehabilitation program is important to support long-term function.

Long-term outcomes after gluteal tendon repair

The long-term outcomes following gluteal tendon repair are focused on improving pain, strength, and stability around the hip, helping you return to daily activities and functional movement. Many patients experience a reduction in pain on the outside of the hip and an improvement in their ability to walk, stand, and perform weight-bearing activities. Strength and control of the hip muscles may also improve over time, particularly with ongoing rehabilitation and strengthening exercises.

Outcomes can vary depending on several factors, including the size and severity of the tendon tear, the quality of the tendon tissue, your overall health, and your commitment to the rehabilitation program. In some cases, recovery may take longer, and a gradual return to activity is required to support healing.

While the aim of surgery is to restore tendon function, some patients may continue to experience residual symptoms, particularly in more complex or longstanding cases. Ongoing management, including physiotherapy and activity modification, may be recommended to support long-term function.

Maintaining hip strength, flexibility, and a balanced level of activity can play an important role in supporting the durability of the repair over time.

Dr Scott Tulloch will discuss what you can reasonably expect based on your individual condition and guide you through strategies to support your long-term recovery and function.