Does low back pain or leg pain in gluteus medius syndrome contribute to lumbar degenerative disease and hip osteoarthritis and vice versa? A literature review

Abstract

Gluteus medius syndrome is one of the major causes of back pain or leg pain and is similar to greater trochanteric pain syndrome, which also presents with back pain or leg pain. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is associated with lumbar degenerative disease and hip osteoarthritis. The objective of this review was to demonstrate gluteus medius syndrome as a disease entity by reviewing relevant articles to elucidate the condition. [Methods] Gluteus medius syndrome was defined as myofascial pain syndrome arising from the gluteus medius. We performed a search of the literature using the following keywords: "back pain", "leg pain", "greater trochanteric pain syndrome", "degenerative lumbar disease", "hip osteoarthritis", and "gluteus medius". We reviewed articles related to gluteus medius syndrome and described the findings in terms of diagnosis and treatment based on the underlying pathology. [Results] A total of 135 articles were included in this review. Gluteus medius syndrome is similar as a disease entity to greater trochanteric pain syndrome, which presents with symptoms of low back pain and leg pain. Gluteus medius syndrome is also related to lumbar degenerative disease, hip osteoarthritis, knee osteoarthritis, and failed back surgery syndrome. [Conclusion] Accurate diagnosis of gluteus medius syndrome and appropriate treatment could possibly improve lumbar degenerative disease and osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, as well as hip-spine syndrome and failed back surgery syndrome.

Development of a Predictive Algorithm for Symptomatic Hip Abductor Tears in Patients Undergoing Primary Hip Arthroscopy

“…Our hypothesis was based on previous studies demonstrating weakness of the hip abductors, as well as the presence of abductor tears, in patients with hip osteoarthritis. 20,24,26,27 However, it is important to note that there are conflicting data in the literature regarding the association of hip osteoarthritis and hip abductor pathology. 25 Although a higher proportion of patients with hip abductor tears had preoperative Tönnis grade 1 findings, on the multivariate analysis this was not significant—possibly because, when controlling for age, Tönnis grade is no longer significant.…”

Differences in Clinical Presentations and Surgical Outcomes of Gluteus Medius Tears Between Men and Women

“…17 Patients with chronic low back pain have significantly decreased GM strength and contraction force, as the GM is predominantly innervated by L5. 1,6,20 Therefore, functional disorders of the GM are possibly related to lumbar pathology. 20 Further research is necessary to show a definitive correlation between lumbar pathology and prevalence of GM tears in men; however, there should be a high suspicion for GM pathology in men who have lateral hip pain, abduction weakness, and coexisting lumbar pathology.…”

Tendinopatias do quadril: Uma atualização de conceitos e abordagens

“…Em casos mais graves, a fibrose dos músculos IQTs proximais pode prender e comprimir o nervo ciático, causando dor aguda que se irradia da parte posterior da coxa até o pé. 13 Alguns autores acreditam que os corticosteroides ajudam a limitar a inflamação crônica e, portanto, a reduzir a formação de cicatrizes e aderências no tendão. A administração de medicamentos sob orientação de ultrassom facilita a colocação precisa da injeção na bainha do tendão e evita a infiltração direta na substância do tendão.…”

“…Ela é tratada por fisioterapia, terapia de liberação manual do ponto de gatilho ou injeção de bloqueio de ponto de gatilho e, em casos difíceis, por descompressão cirúrgica do glúteo médio ou do nervo ciático. 13…”