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Gluteus MinimusEdit

The gluteus minimus is a small, fan-shaped muscle located in the gluteal region of the hip. It lies immediately deep to the gluteus medius and forms part of the lateral wall of the pelvis. Its origin is on the outer surface of the ilium between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines, and its tendon inserts on the anterior facet of the greater trochanter of the femur.

Functionally, the gluteus minimus contributes to abduction of the thigh and medial rotation. It plays a key role in stabilizing the pelvis during gait, particularly when the opposite leg is lifted off the ground. By working in concert with the gluteus medius, the minimus helps maintain a level pelvis during single-leg stance and supports efficient locomotion. The muscle’s actions are clinically relevant in the assessment of hip abductor strength and in understanding gait abnormalities that arise from weakness or injury to the hip abductors, including Trendelenburg sign.

Anatomically, the gluteus minimus is positioned deep to the gluteus medius and is closely related to other structures in the gluteal region. It is supplied by the Superior gluteal nerve (an extension of the sacral plexus, typically L4–S1) and receives arterial blood from the Superior gluteal artery, a branch of the internal iliac system. The nerve and vessels run superior to the gluteus minimus, making this region a consideration in injections or surgical approaches to the hip.

Anatomy

  • Origin: outer (external) surface of the ilium between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines.
  • Insertion: anterior facet of the greater trochanter of the femur.
  • Structural relationships: lies immediately deep to the Gluteus medius; lies anterior to the gluteus maximus muscle in its region of attachment.
  • Fiber arrangement: fan-shaped, with anterior fibers contributing to flexion and internal rotation, and posterior fibers contributing to extension and external rotation to a limited extent.

Nerve and blood supply

Function and clinical significance

  • Primary actions: abduction of the thigh; medial rotation; stabilization of the pelvis during walking.
  • Synergy: operates with the Gluteus medius to keep the pelvis level during single-leg stance.

  • Clinical notes: weakness or injury to the gluteus minimus can contribute to gait abnormalities such as a positive Trendelenburg sign due to insufficient stabilization of the pelvis. Pain or dysfunction in the hip region may be encountered in conditions affecting the gluteal musculature, including tendinopathy or strains.

  • Practical considerations: inadvertent injury to the Superior gluteal nerve can occur in surgical or injection procedures in the gluteal region. Modern approaches to gluteal injections and hip procedures often emphasize safer sites such as the Ventrogluteal region or alternative approaches to minimize nerve injury risk while achieving therapeutic delivery.

See also