[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/) › Gluteus minimus tendon [Muscular system](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/muscular-system/) · [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/) # Gluteus minimus tendon The gluteus minimus tendon attaches to the front of the bony point of the outer hip (greater trochanter), lying right on the hip capsule. Official name: Tendon of gluteus minimus [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=lower_limb&select=gluteus_minimus_tendon&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is The tendon of the gluteus minimus, attaching to the front of the greater trochanter and partly to the hip capsule. ## What it does Carries the pull of the gluteus minimus to the [femur](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/femur/) to keep the [pelvis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/pelvis/) level. ## Key points - Deepest of the hip abductors, lying directly on the hip capsule; its fibres to the upper capsule are thought to keep the capsule from being pinched - Usually torn together with the [gluteus medius](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/gluteus-medius-muscle/); fatty change of the [gluteus minimus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/gluteus-minimus-muscle/) on MRI is common in older people and in chronic tears - The superior gluteal nerve and vessels run between it and the gluteus medius, so injury to that nerve weakens both ## Key facts **Attaches** Anterior facet of the greater trochanter; some fibres to the superior hip capsule **Function** Abduction and medial rotation; with the gluteus medius keeps the pelvis level; torn together with the medius in trochanteric tears **Tight in** Hip adduction with lateral rotation ## Relations **Superficial** [Gluteus medius tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendon-of-gluteus-medius/), with the [superior gluteal nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/superior-gluteal-nerve/) and vessels and a small bursa between them **Deep** Upper [hip capsule](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/articular-capsule-of-hip-joint/) and the reflected head of the [rectus femoris](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/rectus-femoris-muscle/) **Behind** [Piriformis tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendon-of-piriformis/) ## How to find it Not felt separately; on ultrasound it is the tendon on the anterior facet, the most anterior of the greater trochanter's attachments. ## Examination - Trendelenburg test: in single-leg stance the pelvis drops on the opposite side when the abductors (medius and minimus together) are weak or torn - Single-leg stance for 30 seconds: lateral hip pain within that time suggests gluteal tendinopathy, which often involves the minimus as well as the medius ## On imaging Ultrasound shows its insertion on the anterior facet; MRI shows tears, calcific tendinopathy and fatty change of the muscle. ## Common problems - Gluteal tendinopathy: wear and pain of its tendon at the outer hip, common in women over 40 and in runners. It is the main cause of greater trochanteric pain syndrome. - Tendon tears, sometimes called a 'rotator cuff tear of the hip'. - Weakness causes a limp where the pelvis drops on the other side (Trendelenburg gait). ## How it is diagnosed Physical exam: tenderness over the outer hip, pain when standing on one leg, and strength testing. Ultrasound or MRI shows tendon damage or tears. ## Treatment - Physical therapy with progressive loading exercises; avoiding crossing the legs and lying on the sore side. - Injections or shock wave therapy for pain that does not settle. - Surgical repair of the tendon (open or endoscopic) for significant tears. ## Clinical notes - Repairs of tears at the trochanter usually address the gluteus medius and minimus tendons together - Anterolateral and direct lateral hip approaches split or partly detach the front of the minimus, which is repaired at closure; poor healing adds to a limp after surgery - Isolated minimus tears are uncommon; on MRI they show as fluid or a gap at the anterior facet of the greater trochanter ## Related conditions - [Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/greater-trochanteric-pain-syndrome/) ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## Where does the gluteus minimus tendon insert? On the anterior facet of the greater trochanter, with some fibres to the superior hip capsule. ## Which nerve runs between the gluteus minimus and the gluteus medius? The superior gluteal nerve, with its vessels; injury to it weakens both muscles. ## With which tendon is the gluteus minimus tendon usually torn? The gluteus medius tendon; repairs at the trochanter usually address both together. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/tendon-of-gluteus-minimus/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** musculus gluteus minimus TA2 2600 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Tendón del glúteo menor DeCS D013710 **English (TA2)** Tendon of gluteus minimus **Also called** musculus glutaeus minimus ## Related - [Trochanteric bursae](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/trochanteric-bursa-of-gluteus-maximus-muscle/) - [Gluteus minimus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/gluteus-minimus-muscle/) - [Femur](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/femur/) Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [DeCS](https://decs.bvsalud.org/es/ths/resource/?id=14088); [Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Gluteus Minimus Muscle](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556144/). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendon-of-gluteus-minimus/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendon-of-gluteus-minimus/