Achilles Tendon for the Treatment of Gluteus Medius Insufficiency

Achilles Tendon Homograft for the Treatment of Gluteus Medius Insufficiency After Hip Replacement

Residual limping after total hip arthroplasty is a serious complication that lacks effective treatment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a surgical treatment for residual limping and compare its results with non-surgical treatment. Our hypothesis is that surgical treatment followed by physiotherapy increases hip function and reduces limping compared with non-surgical treatment with physiotherapy alone.

Residual limping due to gluteus medius insufficiency after total hip arthroplasty is a serious complication that lacks effective treatment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate surgical reconstruction of gluteus medius using Achilles tendon allograft and compare its results and adverse events with non-surgical treatment. Our hypothesis is that surgical reconstruction followed by physiotherapy increases hip function and reduces limping compared with non-surgical treatment with physiotherapy alone.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Persisting limping with positive Trendelenburg's sign for at least 12 months after total hip arthroplasty
• Rupture/avulsion of the gluteus medius tendon verified with ultrasound or MRI
• Leg length discrepancy of less than 1 cm
• Femoral offset discrepancy of less than 25%

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neuromuscular disorders