The superior gluteal nerve is a nerve that originates in the pelvis. It supplies the gluteus medius, gluteus medius muscle, the gluteus minimus, gluteus minimus muscle, the tensor fasciae latae muscle, and the piriformis muscle.

Structure

The superior gluteal nerve originates in the sacral plexus. It arises from the posterior divisions of Lumbar spinal nerve 4, L4, Lumbar spinal nerve 5, L5 and Sacral spinal nerve 1, S1. It leaves the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen above the piriformis muscle. It is accompanied by the superior gluteal artery and the superior gluteal vein.''Thieme Atlas of Anatomy'' (2006), p 476 It then accompanies the upper branch of the deep division of the superior gluteal artery. It ends in the gluteus minimus, gluteus minimus muscle and tensor fasciae latae muscle.

Function

The superior nerve supplies: * tensor fasciae latae muscle.Platzer (2004), p 420 * gluteus minimus muscle. * gluteus medius muscle. * piriformis muscle. The superior gluteal nerve also has a cutaneous branch.

Clinical significance

Gait

In normal gait, the small gluteal muscles on the stance side can stabilize the pelvis in the coronal plane. Weakness or paralysis of these muscles caused by a damaged superior gluteal nerve can result in a weak abduction in the affected hip joint. This gait disturbance is known as Trendelenburg gait. In a positive Trendelenburg's sign the pelvis sags toward the normal unsupported side (the swing leg). The opposite, when the pelvis is elevated on the swing side, is known as Duchenne de Boulogne, Duchenne limp. Bilateral loss of the small gluteal muscles results in a Myopathic gait, waddling gait.

Iatrogenic damage

The superior gluteal nerve may be damaged by Intramuscular injection, intramuscular injections and nephrectomy.

Structure

Function

Clinical significance

Gait

Iatrogenic damage

See also

References

Bibliography

External links