Tears of the gluteus medius and minimus are common causes of lateral hip pain in middle-aged adults. These tears are believed to follow a gradual course, marked by chronic degeneration and subsequent hip pain, but acute tears are rare. Our patient presented with an acute traumatic tear of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. He underwent operative repair and was able to return to his preinjury lifestyle 6 months postoperatively with no limitations. The illustrations (by Ochsner medical illustrator Barbara Siede) demonstrate the tear and repair of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tendons.