Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is prevalent in women and severely impacts quality of life. A key muscle group demonstrating reduced strength are the hip abductors. An understanding of specific muscles affected will help guide targeted rehabilitation. Objectives of this case–control study were to compare gluteal and tensor fasciae latae (TFL) muscle size and quality (fatty infiltration) in women with symptomatic GTPS to asymptomatic age‐matched female controls. Magnetic resonance imaging of 16 women with GTPS (mean age 55.75 years, range 23–69) and 15 asymptomatic controls (mean age 55.60 years, range 31–66) was undertaken. Muscle volumes of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and TFL were calculated. Fatty infiltration was rated using the Goutallier classification system for all muscles in their entirety, as well as anterior and posterior segments of gluteus medius and minimus. Muscle volumes and fatty infiltration were compared between groups. Significantly smaller muscle volumes were identified in the symptomatic group for the upper (P = 0.01) and lower (P = 0.04) portions of gluteus maximus, gluteus medius (P = 0.03), and gluteus minimus (P = 0.02). There was no difference in TFL (P = 0.18). Symptomatic participants displayed significantly greater fatty infiltration in gluteus maximus upper (P = 0.021) and lower (P = 0.049) when adjusted for BMI, and gluteus minimus (P = 0.018), particularly in the posterior portion (P = 0.04). Anterior gluteus minimus demonstrated high amounts of fatty infiltration in both groups. Gluteal muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration in women with GTPS suggests gluteus maximus and minimus may be an important target for rehabilitation. Clin. Anat., 33:1082‐1090, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a debilitating chronic condition, most prevalent in postmenopausal women. A positive association between high estrogen levels and tendon health may exist, and postmenopausal women have reduced estrogen. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) may reduce the incidence of tendon abnormality, particularly when combined with exercise. Purpose: To determine the effect of MHT and exercise on tendon pain and function in postmenopausal women with GTPS. Study Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Postmenopausal women (N = 132; n = 12, lost to follow-up) with GTPS were randomized into MHT and placebo transdermal cream groups combined with tendon-specific or sham exercise. All groups received education about avoiding gluteal tendon compression and load management throughout 12 weeks of intervention. The primary outcome was the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment for gluteal tendinopathy (VISA-G), and secondary outcomes were measured at baseline and at 12 and 52 weeks. The Global Rating of Change was assessed at 12 and 52 weeks. A linear mixed-effects model was used to assess differences. Body mass index (BMI) was included as a covariate. Results: All participant groups improved over time (baseline vs 12 weeks, P < .001; baseline vs 52 weeks, P < .001). There was no difference among exercise groups measured by all outcomes (VISA-G: baseline, P = .97, mean difference [MD] = 0.10; 12 weeks, P = .49, MD = 2.15; 52 weeks, P = .32, MD = −3.08). There was a significant interaction effect between cream and BMI; therefore, the population was stratified by BMI levels (<25, <30, ≥30). The MHT groups (with exercise and education) had significantly better VISA-G outcomes (baseline, P = .04, MD = −11.20, 95% CI = −21.70 to −0.70; 12 weeks, P < .001, MD = −20.72, 95% CI = −31.22 to −10.22; 52 weeks, P = .002, MD = −16.71, 95% CI = −27.21 to −6.22) and secondary measure scores as compared with placebo at all time points when BMI was <25. Conclusion: MHT or placebo combined with tendon-specific or sham exercise plus education reduced pain and increased function for this population. For women with a BMI <25, MHT with any exercise plus education was better than placebo. A targeted exercise or sham exercise strategy is effective when prescribed with education about avoiding gluteal tendon compression and load management. Registration: ACTRN12614001157662 (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry).

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