High Patient Satisfaction With Gluteus Maximus Transfer for Abductor Insufficiency Despite Persistent Trendelenburg...

To evaluate short-term clinical and patient reported outcomes after gluteus maximus/tensor fascia lata (GM/TFL) transfer for abductor insufficiency.

This was a retrospective case series. Inclusion criteria were patients who underwent GM/TFL for chronic abductor insufficiency from 2017 to 2024 at a single institution with a minimum follow-up of 6 months and at least 1 recorded postoperative visit. Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were collected, including hip range of motion, abduction strength, presence of Trendelenburg gait, postoperative rehabilitation details, complications, and patient-reported outcomes. Statistical comparisons of pre- and postoperative objective measures were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Ten patients (8 female, 2 male) with a mean age of 65.8 ± 11.2 years were included. Mean follow-up was 2.3 years (0.7-7.8). Postoperatively, range of motion and abduction strength showed no significant changes (P > .05), and Trendelenburg gait persisted in 80% of patients. However, patient-reported outcome scores were strong, with a mean postoperative modified Harris Hip Score of 76.5 ± 22.4 and Non-Arthritic Hip Score of 74.1 ± 21.7. Patient satisfaction was high, with 100% of patients indicating they would undergo the procedure again. Three patients experienced complications (30%), including 2 patients who had persistent pain and seroma formation, and a patient who had a recurrent hematoma.

GM/TFL transfer does not consistently improve hip strength or gait mechanics; however, it provides pain relief and improved quality of life, as evidenced by high patient satisfaction and favorable modified Harris Hip Score outcomes. Three patients experienced complications (30%), including two patients who had persistent pain and seroma formation, and a patient who had a recurrent hematoma.

Level IV, retrospective therapeutic case series.