Orange County Gluteus Tear Repair

Persistent outer hip pain, especially with weakness when walking, trouble with stairs, or pain lying on one side, can indicate a gluteus tendon tear.
Dr. Brett Shore treats gluteus medius/minimus tears for patients across Orange County and Los Angeles.

15+

Years Treating Hip Conditions

11

Years as Chief of Hip Preservation at Kaiser SoCal

5

Rating Across 100+ Patient Reviews

Rigorous Training, Exceptional Outcomes

Undergraduate Degree

Medical Degree

Orthopedic Residency

Sports Medicine Fellowship

Patient Reviews

What Is a Gluteus Medius Tear?

The gluteus medius and minimus stabilize the hip. These muscles attach from the pelvis to the greater trochanter on the femur. They keep the pelvis level during walking and running.

A tear develops when the tendon partially or completely detaches from the bone. Sudden acceleration, repetitive strain, or tendon degeneration often causes this injury.

Runners and court-sport athletes frequently experience gluteus medius tears.

When to Seek Treatment for a Gluteus Tear

You may benefit from an evaluation when:

Each evaluation includes a physical exam, imaging review, and a full discussion of treatment options.

How Dr. Shore Treats Gluteus Tears

Treatment depends on the size of the tear, your symptoms, and your activity goals. Dr. Shore reviews your imaging and exam findings, then walks you through each option.

Many partial tears respond to rehabilitation. Treatment may include:

  • Activity modification
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Targeted physical therapy
  • Image-guided PRP or corticosteroid injections
  • Temporary cane use to decrease tendon load

Rehabilitation strengthens surrounding muscles and improves hip mechanics. Some patients return to sport without surgery.

When the tendon is fully torn, or conservative treatment hasn’t improved your symptoms, Dr. Shore may recommend surgery.

Dr. Shore repairs gluteus tendons endoscopically through small incisions. He secures the tendon to the greater trochanter with anchors and sutures. This restores hip stability and improves strength.

Patients return home the same day. Crutches support healing for several weeks. Physical therapy advances in phases from protection to strengthening. 

Higher-impact activity often resumes after several months, depending on healing and tissue quality.

What Causes a Gluteus Medius Tear?

Several factors can strain or weaken the gluteus medius tendon:

This isn’t just a sports injury. Daily wear and tear accounts for many cases seen in active adults throughout Los Angeles and Orange County.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Brett Shore

Dr. Shore brings over 15 years of hip-only clinical and surgical experience. His credentials include:

  • 11 years as Chief of Hip Preservation at Kaiser Southern California
  • Educated at Princeton, Columbia, and Harvard in Orthopedics
  • Surgical hip preservation fellowship in Switzerland under Leunig, Beck, and Tannast
  • Periacetabular and femoral osteotomies for hip dysplasia
  • Anterior hip replacement with bikini incision for improved wound healing
  • Published researcher and Arthroscopy Journal editorial board member

Patients consistently note his direct communication and attentive care throughout recovery.

How Early Diagnosis Can Protect Your Hip

When a gluteus tear is identified before the tendon fully detaches, treatment can:

  • Relieve outer hip pain and tenderness
  • Prevent further tendon damage
  • Restore normal gait and stability
  • Reduce the risk of long-term disability
  • Shorten overall recovery time

When the tear has already progressed, surgical tendon repair can help you regain strength and return to daily life.

Gluteus Tear Repair in Los Angeles

Looking for a Los Angeles gluteus tear repair specialist? Dr. Shore sees patients at his Marina del Rey clinic, located inside DISC Sports and Spine Center.

The facility is set up for outpatient orthopedic evaluations, imaging review, and same-day treatment planning.

Gluteus Tear Repair in Orange County

Orange County patients can see Dr. Shore at his Newport Beach clinic inside DISC Sports and Spine Center.

Every visit includes a hands-on exam, imaging review, and a conversation about what treatment makes the most sense for your situation.

Hear From Our Patients

Frequently Asked Questions

Partial tears often respond well to physical therapy, rest, and injection therapy. Full-thickness tears that don’t improve with conservative care may require surgical repair.

They can feel very similar, which is why gluteal tears are often misdiagnosed as bursitis. An MRI or ultrasound can show whether the tendon is torn or whether inflammation alone is causing the pain.

Most patients start physical therapy within a few weeks of surgery. Return to daily activities typically takes 6 to 12 weeks. Full recovery varies depending on the size of the tear and your activity goals.

Many active patients return to running, hiking, and sports after completing rehab. Dr. Shore works with you on a recovery plan matched to your training goals.

Talk to an Orange County Gluteus Tear Repair Specialist

Outer hip pain that won’t go away deserves a proper evaluation. Dr. Brett Shore provides gluteus tear repair in Orange County and Los Angeles for patients who want trusted, specialized hip care.

Schedule a Consultation