Gluteal Region Anatomy
The gluteal region connects the trunk to the lower limb, providing critical muscles for hip extension, abduction, and stabilization during gait.
Key Musculature
- Gluteus Maximus: Primary hip extensor.
- Gluteus Medius & Minimus: Primary hip abductors; essential for pelvic stability during the stance phase of gait.
- Deep Lateral Rotators: Piriformis, gemelli, obturator internus, and quadratus femoris.
Neurovascular Relationships
| Structure | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|
| Piriformis Muscle | Key landmark: the sciatic nerve usually exits inferior to it. |
| Superior Gluteal Nerve | Innervates the gluteus medius/minimus; injury leads to the Trendelenburg sign. |
High-Yield Exam Pearl:
A positive Trendelenburg sign occurs when the pelvis drops on the side opposite to the affected gluteus medius/minimus during single-leg stance. This indicates a lesion of the superior gluteal nerve or weakness in the abductor muscles on the weight-bearing side.