Hip abductors include gluteus medius and minimus
Causes greater trochontric pain syndrome. Other causes include greater trochontric bursitis
Gluteus minimus seems to be torn with frequency similar to that of gluteus medius
MRI:
High signal superior to the greater trochonter
High signal lateral to the greater trochonter (seen in 20% of normal population)
Gluteus medius tendon elongation (=atrophy), not tendon retraction
Tendon discontinuity
Gross atrophy
More than 90% sensitive and specific
References:
Cvitanic O et al. MRI Diagnosis of Tears of the Hip Abductor Tendons (Gluteus Medius and Gluteus Minimus). AJR 2004; 182:137-143
