Gluteus Medius
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The gluteus medius is one of three gluteal muscles (minimus, medius and maximus). It is a superficial, fan shaped and broad muscle that lies in the posterolateral aspect of the pelvis, inferior to the iliac crest. The gluteus medius has a broad origin on the external (gluteal) ilium and its tendon inserts into the lateral aspect of the greater trochanter. The muscle is overlapped by the gluteus maximus and covered with a strong layer of fascia.
Origin: External (gluteal) surface of ilium between anterior and posterior gluteal lines. Reaches from iliac crest superiorly and as far as the sciatic notch inferiorly. Superficial to gluteus maximus.
Insertion: Lateral surface of greater trochanter. A bursa seperates the tendon from the greater trochanter.
Artery:
Superior gluteal artery
Nerve Innervation:
Supplied by the Superior Gluteal Nerve (SGN) (nerve root: L4, L5, S1). The SGN leaves the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen. [1] The SGN divides into several branches, supplying both the gluteus medius and minimus as it passes horizontally between them both. [2] The nerve terminates where it supplies the tensor facsia latae. [2].
The area of skin covering the gluteus medius is supplied by dermatome at levels L1 & L2.
Palpation[edit | edit source]
Function[edit | edit source]
Clinical Relevance[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Diop M, Parratte B, Tatu L, Vuillier F, Faure A, Monnier G. Anatomical bases of superior gluteal nerve entrapment syndrome in the piriformis foramen. Surg Radiol Anat 2002; 24: fckLR155-9.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Kenny P, O’Brien CP, Synnott K, Walsh MG. Damage to the superior gluteal nerve after two different approaches to the hip. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1999; 81: 979-81.