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

Purpose: To evaluate short-term clinical and patient reported outcomes after gluteus maximus/tensor fascia lata (GM/TFL) transfer for abductor insufficiency. Methods: 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. Results: 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 ( Conclusions: 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 of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective therapeutic case series.