[Surgical refixation of gluteal tendon tears by mini-open double-row technique].

OBJECTIVE: Stable refixation of gluteal tendons at the anatomic footprint by large-area contact by the means of knotless double-row anchor fixation (HipBridge technique).

INDICATIONS: Symptomatic tear of gluteus medius and/or gluteus minimus tendon with persisting pain after nonsurgical treatment, or primarily reconstructable mass rupture with gluteal insufficiency, revision surgeries.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Primary nonreconstructable mass ruptures, atrophic or fatty degeneration of gluteal muscles grade Goutallier 4, local infections.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Lateral position, longitudinal skin incision over greater trochanter, longitudinal incision of iliotibial band, resection of trochanteric subgluteus maximus bursa, longitudinal splitting of gluteal tendons over tear, debridement and mobilisation of tendons for sufficient distalisation to tendon footprint at anterior and lateral trochanteric facet, debridement of sclerotic greater trochanter, punching and tapping of proximal row, placement of two proximal anchors loaded with nonresorbable suture tape, fan-shaped four times gluteal tendon perforation at myotendinous transition zone, double-V-shape crossing of suture tapes, punching and tapping of distal row, fixation of crossed tapes with two distal knotless suture anchors under mild pretensioning of gluteal tendons, side-to-side tendon suture, vastogluteal and iliotibial band closure, wound closure.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Stage-dependent physiotherapy with partial weight-bearing with 20 kg for 6 weeks, no active abduction, no adduction and no external rotation in flexion for 6 weeks after surgery. From week 7 after surgery, free range of motion, active-assisted abduction and increase in weight-bearing by 15 kg/week. No peak load for 4 months. Thromboembolic prophylaxis until full weight-bearing is reached.

RESULTS: Success rates of 80-90% can be expected in cases with no or only minor muscle atrophy.