MSK - Superficial Muscles of the Gluteal Region

Question 1

What are the four superficial muscles of the Gluteal region?

Answer 1

• Gluteus Maximus
• Gluteus Medius
• Gluteus Minimus
• Tensor Fasciae Latae

Question 2

What is the origin of gluteus maximus?

Answer 2

Posterior surface of the ilium, sacrum and coccyx

Question 3

Where does gluteus maximus insert?

Answer 3

• Iliotibial tract

- Greater trochanter of the femur

Question 4

What is the innervation of gluteus maximus?

Answer 4

Inferior gluteal nerve

Question 5

What is the arterial supply of gluteus maximus?

Answer 5

Superior and inferior gluteal arteries

Question 6

What are the actions of gluteus maximus?

Answer 6

• Extension of the thigh

- Lateral rotation of the thigh (when force is required)

Question 7

What is the origin of gluteus medius?

Answer 7

Gluteal surface of the ilium

Question 8

Where does gluteus medius insert?

Answer 8

Lateral surface of the greater trochanter

Question 9

What is the innervation of gluteus medius?

Answer 9

Superior gluteal nerve

Question 10

What is the arterial supply of gluteus medius?

Answer 10

Superior gluteal artery

Question 11

What are the actions of gluteus medius?

Answer 11

• Abduction of the lower limb

- Medial rotation of the lower limb

Question 12

What is the origin of gluteus minimus?

Answer 12

Ilium

Question 13

Where does gluteus minimus insert?

Answer 13

Converges to form a tendon and inserts at the anterior surface of the greater trochanter

Question 14

What is the innervation of gluteus minimus?

Answer 14

Superior gluteal nerve

Question 15

What is the arterial supply of gluteus minimus?

Answer 15

Superior gluteal artery

Question 16

What are the actions of gluteus minimus?

Answer 16

• Abduction of the lower limb

- Medial rotation of the lower limb

Question 17

What is the origin of tensor fasciae latae?

Answer 17

Anterior iliac crest

Question 18

Where does tensor fasciae latae insert?

Answer 18

• Anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)

- Iliotibial tract (which then attaches to the lateral condyle of the tibia)

Question 19

What is the innervation of tensor fasciae latae?

Answer 19

Superior gluteal nerve

Question 20

What is the arterial supply of tensor fasciae latae?

Answer 20

• Lateral circumflex femoral artery

- Superior gluteal artery

Question 21

What are the actions of tensor fasciae latae?

Answer 21

• Abduction of the lower limb

- Medial rotation of the lower limb

Question 22

What can happen as a result of superior gluteal nerve damage?

Answer 22

• Paralysis of gluteus medius and minimus

- Important for stabilisation of the pelvis when moving so damage can cause an unsteady pelvis (Trendelburg Sign)

Question 23

How can Trendelburg Sign be tested for? How would you know if there is damage to the superior gluteal nerve?

Answer 23

• Ask patient to stand unassisted on each leg in turn

- Pelvic drop on unassisted leg = Damage (e.g. if left muscles are weak, right iliac crest will drop)