A complex relationship exists between gluteal tendon reconstruction outcomes, pain and comorbidities

Aim: To determine if gluteal tendon reconstructive (GTR) surgery provides patients with equivalent functional ability as a healthy age and sex matched group. Design: Cohort comparison trial. Methods: Thirty-six GTR patients were recruited from a single surgeon. Exclusion criteria was surgery < 12 months ago or a recent pelvic or lower limb fracture. Thirty age and sex matched comparison group participants were recruited. Exclusion criteria for this group included pain levels of >3/10 in the lower limb or back or a history of lower limb or back surgery. Primary outcome measures were VISA-G, modified Harris Hip Score, Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain score, Assessment of Quality of Life, 6-minute walk test, gait speed, stair ascend/descend, 30s sit to stand, and Timed Up and Go. Covariate measures were Body Mass Index, comorbidities, pain (visual analogue scale), and abduction strength. Results: People who had a gluteal tendon reconstruction had poorer quality of life (-0.112; p < 0.000), walked a shorter distance (6MWT -10.5; p < 0.000), had slower gait speed (-0.23; p = 0.001), Timed Up and Go (2.2; p = 0.001) and fewer sit to stands (5.0; p = 0.000). The number of comorbidities a participant had, had a clinically important impact on Quality of Life (-0.04; p ≤ 0.001) and 6MWT (-38.48; p ≤ 0.001). Pain negatively affected Quality of Life (-0.04; p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: A complex relationship exists between GTR outcomes and comorbidities.