FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES AFTER OPEN RELEASE OF GLUTEUS MAXIMUMS CONTRACTURE.

JPUMHS; 2025:15:01,158-166. http://doi.org/10.46536/jpumhs/2025/15.01.609

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Fibrosis and shortening of the gluteal muscles characterize gluteal
Maximums contracture (GMC), a musculoskeletal disorder that causes limited hip motions and
functional constraints such trouble squatting. It is frequently seen in adolescents and children,
especially in underdeveloped areas. For moderate to severe instances, open surgical release is
the usual course of therapy; however, there is currently little information available on the
results of surgery in the local community. OBJECTIVE: To assess the functional outcomes
of open surgical release in patients with gluteal muscle contracture treated at Khyber Teaching
Hospital, Peshawar. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional research conducted in
District Headquarters Hospital, Batkhela, from January to December of 2024. Included were
100 patients, 50 of whom were male and 50 of whom were female, ages 6 to 14, who had been
diagnosed with gluteal muscle contracture and treated with open surgical release. Demographic
information, contracture laterality, involvement type, and functional level were examined in
clinical records. SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the data. To investigate correlations
between gender, age, contracture type, and functional results, statistical techniques included
one-way ANOVA, independent t-test, and chi-square test. RESULTS: Bilateral contracture
was more prevalent in female patients (p = 0.043) out of 100 patients (50 males and 50
females), with a mean age of 9.36 ± 1.69 years. Age differences across contracture types were
not statistically significant (p = 0.074). 58% of patients (n = 58) showed bilateral contractures,
whereas 42% (n = 42) had unilateral involvement. Bilateral contracture was found in 58% of
patients and unilateral in 42%. A significant association was noted between gender and
contracture laterality (p = 0.043). Males were more likely than females to have unilateral
engagement on the right side, although the difference was not statistically significant (p =
0.200). There was no significant difference in mean age between the bilateral and unilateral
groups (p = 0.710). CONCLUSION: Open surgical release offers positive functional
outcomes in children with GMC. Early surgical intervention improves mobility and quality of
life.