A muscle fiber tear is a common sports injury in which a part of the fibers that make up the muscle tears as a result of sudden movements that exceed physiological limits. By definition, a rupture of a muscle fiber is accompanied by destruction of muscle cells and bleeding. It can also occur on the buttocks, although the definition of a torn muscle fibre on the buttocks includes the gluteus maximus, medius and minimus muscles.
Causes
Causes of a rupture of muscle fibers in the buttocks are movements that exceed the normal extensibility and stability of the muscle fibers, and these fibers are under so much tension that they rupture. Often, the main causes of a torn muscle fiber are fast and sudden movements, especially in muscles that have not been warmed up. Typical movements in which a rupture of muscle fibers in the buttocks can occur are, for example, extreme flexion in the hip joint with an outstretched leg, long lunges forward, or shooting movements in soccer. Also involuntary movements in the context of accidents, such as skiing, in which the buttocks are stretched excessively, can cause a torn muscle fiber. The occurrence of a torn muscle fibre at the bottom is favoured by insufficient warming up before sport.
Diagnosis
A torn muscle fibre is in most cases a clinical diagnosis. At the beginning there is the anamnesis (conversation with the doctor). The doctor will ask about acute pain, also a trigger such as a lunge or an unusual movement is asked.
There is also a functional deficit of the gluteal muscles, i.e. the leg can only be moved to a limited extent. During the inspection (when looking at it) a bruise may be noticed on the buttocks. Palpation of the affected area results in a circumscribed pain over the torn muscle fibre, which can be accompanied by a palpable swelling. In some cases, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be necessary to distinguish a torn muscle fiber from a pulled muscle or if the diagnosis is unclear.