MSK - Superficial Muscles of the Gluteal Region Flashcards
What are the four superficial muscles of the Gluteal region?
- Gluteus Maximus
- Gluteus Medius
- Gluteus Minimus
- Tensor Fasciae Latae
What is the origin of gluteus maximus?
Posterior surface of the ilium, sacrum and coccyx
Where does gluteus maximus insert?
- Iliotibial tract
- Greater trochanter of the femur
What is the innervation of gluteus maximus?
Inferior gluteal nerve
What is the arterial supply of gluteus maximus?
Superior and inferior gluteal arteries
What are the actions of gluteus maximus?
- Extension of the thigh
- Lateral rotation of the thigh (when force is required)
What is the origin of gluteus medius?
Gluteal surface of the ilium
Where does gluteus medius insert?
Lateral surface of the greater trochanter
What is the innervation of gluteus medius?
Superior gluteal nerve
What is the arterial supply of gluteus medius?
Superior gluteal artery
What are the actions of gluteus medius?
- Abduction of the lower limb
- Medial rotation of the lower limb
What is the origin of gluteus minimus?
Ilium
Where does gluteus minimus insert?
Converges to form a tendon and inserts at the anterior surface of the greater trochanter
What is the innervation of gluteus minimus?
Superior gluteal nerve
What is the arterial supply of gluteus minimus?
Superior gluteal artery
What are the actions of gluteus minimus?
- Abduction of the lower limb
- Medial rotation of the lower limb
What is the origin of tensor fasciae latae?
Anterior iliac crest
Where does tensor fasciae latae insert?
- Anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)
- Iliotibial tract (which then attaches to the lateral condyle of the tibia)
What is the innervation of tensor fasciae latae?
Superior gluteal nerve
What is the arterial supply of tensor fasciae latae?
- Lateral circumflex femoral artery
- Superior gluteal artery
What are the actions of tensor fasciae latae?
- Abduction of the lower limb
- Medial rotation of the lower limb
What can happen as a result of superior gluteal nerve damage?
- Paralysis of gluteus medius and minimus
- Important for stabilisation of the pelvis when moving so damage can cause an unsteady pelvis (Trendelburg Sign)
How can Trendelburg Sign be tested for? How would you know if there is damage to the superior gluteal nerve?
- 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)
