CALCIFIC TENDINITIS OF THE GLUTEUS MAXIMUS TENDON WITH ABNORMALITIES OF CORTICAL BONE

Calcific tendinitis of the gluteus maximus tendon is unusual and only eight cases associated with erosions of cortical bone have been report ed. We present three further cases which demonstrate variation in appe arances of the amorphous calcification in the tendon and cortical eros ions on plain radiographs. Isotope bone scans show focal increased act ivity and computed tomography (CT) clearly demonstrates erosion of cor tical bone and calcification within the tendon insertion of gluteus ma ximus. Follow-up examinations in two cases demonstrated resolution of the changes, We believe this series demonstrates the radiological feat ures and natural history of a common condition occurring at an unusual site, Its recognition is important in order to avoid unnecessary surg ical intervention. Resolution of the calcification and cortical erosio ns has not been previously described.