Gluteus medius muscle decompression for buttock pain: a case-series analysis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pain Management
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Low back and buttock pain have varied causes.
• Gluteus medius muscle (GMeM) pain can cause buttock pain treatable by surgical decompression.
• This study reports on surgical outcomes for GMeM decompression in patients with persistent buttock pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the minimum 2-year surgical outcomes of gluteus medius muscle (GMeM) decompression for intractable buttock pain.
• To assess the efficacy of GMeM decompression in improving pain severity and functional disability.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 39 patients with GMeM pain, followed for at least 2 years, underwent surgical decompression.
• Pre- and post-treatment pain severity was measured using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ).
• Patient demographics, symptom characteristics, and surgical history were recorded.

Main Results:

• The study included 39 patients (average age 69.2 years; 17 men, 22 women) with a mean follow-up of 40 months.
• Significant improvements were observed: average NRS decreased from 7.4 to 2.1, and RDQ scores fell from 10.5 to 3.3 (p < 0.05).
• 35 patients had leg symptoms, exacerbated by walking (all) and prolonged sitting (33); 19 had prior lumbar surgery.

Conclusions:

• Gluteus medius muscle (GMeM) decompression under local anesthesia is a viable treatment option for intractable buttock pain.
• The procedure demonstrates significant efficacy in reducing pain and disability when diagnostic criteria are met.
• This surgical intervention offers a valuable solution for patients suffering from persistent GMeM-related buttock pain.