Evaluation of the Athlete With Buttock Pain

Buttock (gluteal) pain is commonly experienced by athletes of all ages and activity levels. Evaluation of buttock pain can be challenging because the differential diagnoses are extensive. Symptoms may originate from the pelvis or hip or be referred from the lumbosacral spine or neurovascular structures. Few articles in the literature are dedicated to the primary complaint of buttock pain. The purpose of this article is to provide a clinical algorithm to assist the sports clinician in reaching an accurate diagnosis and initiating the appropriate treatment.