Surgeons Identified Hidden Hip Tendon Tears

A new surgical technique called GUCCI-X addresses previously overlooked deep gluteal tendon injuries.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Arthritis

Surgeons Identified Hidden Hip Tendon Tears

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In September 2026, researchers defined a specific type of concealed hip tendon tear known as a Gluteal Undersurface Concealed Crescent Injury, or GUCCI lesion. The diagnosis describes a partial-thickness tear located on the deep side of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons.

Why it matters

The term was created to help medical professionals identify and remember a pattern of tears that remain hidden beneath intact surface fibers. Recognizing these injuries allows surgeons to apply a targeted repair technique to patients experiencing persistent lateral hip pain.

Researchers established that greater trochanteric pain syndrome affects 15% of women and 8% of men. While conservative care succeeds in over 90% of cases, the GUCCI-X technique provides a specialized endoscopic option for patients with persistent, deep tears.

The players

University of Colorado

This public research university serves as the primary affiliation for the surgeons who authored the technique paper.

The details

Surgeons perform an endoscopic procedure using a camera and small incisions to remove inflamed tissue and repair the damaged tendon. The GUCCI-X repair technique utilizes knotless suture anchors placed in an X-shaped configuration to secure the tissue.

A 2015 review identified gluteal tendinopathy as a major source of hip pain.
A case report regarding the initial patient was published in February 2026.
A paper detailing the surgical technique was published online in July 2026.
The full technique paper appeared in Arthroscopy Techniques in September 2026.

The Big Picture

The development of GUCCI-X follows a pattern set by the University of Colorado's orthopedic surgical research program in advancing minimally invasive joint care.

Patients with chronic lateral hip pain that does not respond to conservative measures may now have a specific diagnosis and surgical pathway to explore. Consult with an orthopedic specialist to determine if deep tendon pathology is the underlying cause of persistent pain.

The takeaway

Persistent hip pain that fails to improve with physical therapy or rest may warrant an evaluation for hidden tendon tears. Identifying the GUCCI lesion can be a critical step for patients seeking relief from chronic lateral hip pain.