Gluteus medius calcific tendonitis as a cause of severe anterior hip pain

Abstract

Calcific tendinopathy in the gluteus medius is uncommon and sporadically reported. It may be asymptomatic or present with acute or chronic pain. Pain is usually isolated to the lateral hip overlying the gluteal muscles or greater trochanter. We present a rare case of gluteus medius calcific tendonitis as a cause of severe anterior hip pain. Given the atypical local and clinical presentation these can be often misdiagnosed as septic arthritis or fracture which may lead to overtreatment and even unnecessary surgery. This article will detail the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and clinical course following treatment. This will facilitate the clinician in making a timely diagnosis and establishing an effective treatment course.

Keywords

• Gluteus tendonitis
• Calcific tendonitis
• Calcific tendinopathy
• Gluteus medius
• Anterior hip pain