Gluteus minimus tendon: MR imaging features and patterns of tendon tearing

Purpose To highlight the spectrum of pathology and patterns of gluteus minimus tendon tearing observed on MR imaging of the hip. Methods and materials Retrospective review of consecutive hip MRI exams with findings of gluteus minimus tendon (GMin) pathology. A total of 194 exams in 178 patients (148 female, mean age 61) were reviewed. MRI exams are assessed for GMin: tendinopathy, partial, or complete tendon tears. GMin muscular fatty atrophy, enthesopathic cortical irregularities of the greater trochanter (GT), and peri-trochanteric edema or bursal fluid collections were assessed in all cases. In all cases of complete GMin tendon tearing, position and relationship of GMin tendon were assessed relative to its normal insertion site and adjacent soft tissues. Results Clinical indications for MR imaging included hip pain ( n = 151), and weakness or altered gait ( n = 13). Insertional GMin tendinopathy was seen in 72, partial tearing in 81, and complete tendon tearing in 40 cases. Complete tendon tearing without proximal retraction was observed in 38/40 cases with soft tissue continuity visualized between distal tendon fibers and the proximal vastus lateralis muscle. Peri-trochanteric bursal fluid ( n = 61), osseous irregularities of the GT ( n = 118), and fatty atrophy GMin ( n = 102) were statistically associated with partial or complete GMin tendon tearing ( p