Bilateral Gluteus Maximus Contracture in a Young Child: A Case Report and Review of Literature

INTRODUCTION: Gluteus maximus contractures are uncommon in India. Only a few cases of this disease are reported in the Indian population. Common etiologies include congenital, post-injection, traumatic, and neuromuscular disorders. We report a case of bilateral isolated gluteus maximus muscle contracture due to repeated intramuscular injection. CASE REPORT: A 9-year-old male child from a village of North India presented to outpatient with difficulty in sitting cross-legged and squatting for the past 6–7 years. After clinical examination and relevant investigation, he was diagnosed as having bilateral isolated gluteus maximus contractures. He was treated with open release of contractures on both sides followed by physiotherapy. He was followed for 1 year and there was a significant improvement in his clinical symptoms and quality of life. CONCLUSION: Gluteus maximus muscle contractures can easily be diagnosed on clinical examination. Patients present with characteristic clinical symptoms which should not be missed. Plain radiographs are usually normal. Magnetic resonance imaging findings typically show fibrotic bands and gluteal atrophy. Surgical release of contracture followed by gradual physiotherapy shows remarkable improvement in symptoms and quality of life for the patient.