Gluteus Medius Repair With Double-Row Fixation

The merits of double-row tendon fixation have been well defined in the shoulder and may have greater applicability for gluteus medius tears in the hip, in which protection of the repair site can be even more of a challenge because the hip is a weight-bearing extremity. A detailed technique for double-row fixation with a reliable method and implants is highlighted in the accompanying stepwise-approach video. Standard laterally based peritrochanteric portals are used, including a viewing portal posterior to the vastus lateralis ridge and a working portal distal to the ridge, with anchors placed proximally, perpendicular to the cortex of the trochanter. Proximal fixation is accomplished with double-loaded Healicoil anchors (Smith & Nephew, Andover, MA) by use of sutures placed in a mattress fashion. Distal fixation is accomplished with a Footprint anchor (Smith & Nephew) paired to each Healicoil.