ICD Body System
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue [710 – 739]
Date amended:
External
Statements of Principles

 

Primary tabs

  • Current RMA Instruments
 
 
 
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP
94 of 2023 as amended
Balance of Probabilities SOP95 of 2023 as amended
Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding

  • ICD-10-AM code M70.6

Brief description

Gluteal tendinopathy is a condition involving inflammation (tendinopathy) or degeneration of the tendons (tendinosis) of the gluteaus minimus and gluteus medius muscles located in the buttocks. These muscles help to stabilise the pelvis and support hip movement. Gluteal tendinopathy does not involve the tendons of gluteus maximus. 

Confirming the diagnosis

The diagnosis is based on the characteristic clinical history and examination findings. Radiological imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI) may be useful to confirm the pathology or rule out other causes of hip pain, particularly when the initial response to treatment does not appear to be helping the condition to resolve. However, imaging is not required to adequately establish the diagnosis. 

The relevant medical specialists include General Practitioners, Orthopaedic surgeons or Rheumatologists.

Additional diagnoses covered by this SOP

  • Nil

Additional diagnoses that may be covered by this SOP (but further information required)

  • Greater trochanteric pain syndrome 
Conditions excluded from this SOP
  • Trochanteric bursitis * 
  • Femoroacetabular impingement*
  • Gluteus maximus tendinopathy#
  • Osteoarthritis of the hip*
  • Piriformis syndrome#
  • Snapping hip syndrome#

* another SOP applies  - the SOP has the same name unless otherwise specified

# non-SOP condition

Clinical onset

Once the diagnosis is confirmed clinical onset can be backdated to when the symptoms first presented. This condition usually presents with pain at the side of the hip, which can sometimes radiate down the thigh. The pain can be worsened with activities such as climbing stairs, running or sitting cross legged. 

Clinical worsening

For the majority affectedm, the natural history of the condition is to improve or resolve within one to two years.  The condition is generally responsive to conservative treatment (rest, physiotherapy, medications, and injections), with surgery being required in some cases.