This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.

Variations in gluteus maximus muscle strength not attributable primarily to gluteoplasty

The variations in gluteus maximus strength after gluteoplasty can be attributed to several factors such as inactivity, stretching and training, but they should not be attributed primarily to the implants themselves, according to researchers.

In a prospective, controlled, clinical study, 22 female candidates for gluteal augmentation, along with 22 female candidates for breast augmentation selected as controls, were included. All participants abstained from exercise during the first 3 postoperative months to achieve full recovery.

Fernando Serra

Preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, patients underwent isokinetic testing, gluteus CT scans and clinical nutritional assessments. Isokinetic testing evaluated four different movements: adduction, abduction, flexion and extension.

Cohesive gel gluteal implants with an oval base, a smooth surface, and 350-cm3 and 400-cm3 volume were inserted into the gluteus maximus muscle to a depth ranging from 2 cm to 2.5 cm.

In six patients in the gluteal augmentation group, body fat distribution patterns were classified as android, whereas the remaining patients in both groups had distribution patterns classified as gynoid. Postoperatively, the six patients with the android pattern changed to gynoid pattern.

The study group presented 6.14% muscle atrophy to the left and 6.43% muscle atrophy to the right 12 months postoperatively compared with preoperative volume. Additionally, hip flexion varied in both groups during the 12-month period compared with preoperative values when analyzed at a speed of 30°/second. The remaining tested movements showed no changes, according to the researchers.

The study group presented a decrease of strength during flexion movements at 30°/second at all time points evaluated. The same decrease was found in the controls, which the researchers theorized was caused by muscle inactivity, likely related to the anterior part of the thigh and hip primarily involved in hip flexion.

The use of smaller implants caused less muscle atrophy, according to the researchers.

The researchers discovered an increase in flexion with no change in extensions strength, which raised the possibility of future injury to the hip joint. As a result, the researchers recommended long-term patient monitoring with isokinetic tests for better joint evaluation. - by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.