Gluteal Tendons Tears: Imaging Diagnosis with Treatment Implications

Disorders of the hip abductor mechanism are a frequent cause of lateral hip pain and functional impairment. This article focuses on MRI evaluation of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons, emphasizing the relationship between tendon pathology, muscle quality, and biomechanics. Key imaging features of tendinopathy, partial and full-thickness tears, tendon elongation, and fatty infiltration are discussed, together with their clinical and surgical implications. The value of MRI in both preoperative assessment and postoperative follow-up is highlighted, particularly in distinguishing adaptive changes from structural failure and progressive muscle degeneration.