Gluteal Region, Posterior Thigh and Leg Flashcards
Where is the gluteal region?
Posterior to the pelvis from the level of the iliac crests (L4) to the gluteal fold
What is considered the safe zone for IM injects in the gluteal region? Why is this important?
superolateral quadrant
avoids sciatic nerve
What are the superficial gluteal muscles?
gluteus maximus
gluteus medius
gluteus minimus
Tensor fasciae latae
Insertion for gluteus maximus
iliotibial tract and gluteal tuberosity of the femur
Action of gluteus maximus?
extend and laterally rotate hip joint (ex. rising from sitting position, climbing stairs)
Innervation of gluteus maximus?
inferior gluteal nerve (L5-S2)
Insertion for gluteus medius and minimus?
greater trochanter of femur
Action of gluteus medius and minimus?
abduct and medially rotate hip joint (keep pelvis level when walking)
Innervation of gluteus medius and minimus?
superior gluteal nerve (L5-S1)
Trendelenburg test
tests the superior gluteal nerve, if this nerve is injured when pt is asked to stand on that limb, the pelvis tilts toward the unsupported side (positive test)
so injury to R superior gluteal nerve will cause pelvis tilt on the left side
origin and insertion of tensor fasciae latae?
origin: ASIS
insertion: iliotibial tract
Action of tensor fasciae latae?
tense the fascia lata, improving the efficiency of the other thigh muscles and assisting VR. weekly flex and medially rotate the hip joint
Innervation of the tensor fasciae latae?
superior gluteal nerve (L5-S1)
Origin and insertion of deep gluteal muscles?
origin: pelvic girdle
insertion: proximal femur
Action rule for deep gluteal muscles?
laterally rotate and stabilize the hip joint
Innervation rule for the deep gluteal muscles?
small branches of the sacral plexus
What are the deep gluteal muscles?
piriformis, superior gemelli, inferior gemelli, obturator internus, quadratus femoris
Obturator externus action?
laterally rotates and stabilizes the hip joint
Sciatic nerve
L4-S3
exits greater sciatic foramen inferior to piriformis, does not innervate gluteal muscles
The sciatic nerve really consists of 2 nerves, what are they?
common fibular nerve and tibial nerve
usually separate in the distal thigh but this can vary (in 12% of ppl the nerves separate as they leave the pelvis, with the common fibular nerve passing through piriformis
What is piriformis syndrome?
compression of the sciatic nerve due to hypertrophy or spasm of the piriformis muscle, usually due to excess use of the deep gluteal muscles (e.g. ice skaters, cyclists)
What are the muscles located in the posterior compartment of the thigh?
Hamstrings (semitendinosus, semimembranosus, long head of biceps femoris)
short head of biceps femoris
Origin rule for the hamstrings?
ischial tuberosity
Action rule for the hamstrings?
extend hip joint, flex knee joint
Innervation rule for the hamstrings?
tibial nerve (L5-S2)
Origin and insertion for semitendinosus?
ischial tuberosity, proximal tibia