An underdiagnosed hip pathology: apropos of two cases with gluteus medius tendon tears

Until recently, gluteus medius tendon tears have been the sort of hip pathology that is relatively unknown in the realm of rheumatology. Their diagnosis can pose a serious challenge to physicians, despite diligence. In this report we summarize two relevant cases and put forward some hints for their evaluation. Magnetic resonance imaging is quite beneficial in demonstrating the pathology and ruling out other likely pathologies after a prompt physical examination. Physicians should exercise care and vigilance in order not to overlook these cases, in which prompt physical examination and radiological interventions remain a prerequisite in the diagnostic algorithm.