OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the result of releasing adult intramuscular injection associated gluteal muscle contracture under the monitor of arthroscope by radiofrequency probe.

METHODSFrom June 2001 to June 2005, 108 cases of bilateral gluteal muscle contracture were treated with radiofrequency colation under the arthroscope and solution with an average age of 24 years (from 18 to 40 years). There were 57 males and 51 females. Preoperatively, the course of the outline of the femur greater trochanter the sciatic nerve in buttocks and the area of gluteal muscle contracture were marked. With the patients firmly anchored in the straight lateral position, normal saline (which contains Adnephrin) was injected between the surface of contracted gluteus and subcutaneous fat to reduce bleeding in operation. The ports for the motorized shaver and radiofrequency probe were located at the edge of gluteal muscle contracture and were 5 mm superior to the greater trochanter. The 6 mm diameter port for the arthroscope was 3 cm inferior to the greater trochanter. Space was made between contracture bands and overlying subcutaneous tissue with a periosteal elevator by blunt dissection. After the anterior and posterior edge of the contracture bands were fully revealed, normal saline were filled in the space. With the monitor of arthroscope, the procedures were: removing fatty tissue from the surface of the contracture bands with motorized shaver, then cutting off the contracture bands curve and carefully probing and cutting off contracture bands which were mixed in gluteus maximus with radiofrequency probe, finally hemostasis by radiofrequency probe. In the operation flexion, adduction, internal rotation and straightening hip joint were repeated, until it got normal range of motion without snap and bleeding. Results One hundred and one patients were followed up with an average of 19 months. According to a comprehensive evaluating system, 91 cases were excellent, 7 were good, and 3 were fair. No infection, recurrence and neurovascular injury occurred.

CONCLUSIONSGluteal muscle contracture could be effectively released with radiofrequency vaporization and solution. The technique has the advantage of easy to manipulate, minimally invasive, painless, safety and reliable curative effect, and is good for early functional exercises.