Inferior gluteal nerve (L5–S2)
Nerves · L5 S1 S2
Leaves the greater sciatic foramen BELOW piriformis with the inferior gluteal vessels and immediately breaks up on the deep surface of gluteus maximus.
Traced from the start
Detail
- Motor
- Gluteus maximus — powerful hip extension from the flexed position, lateral rotation
- Sensory
- None
When it goes wrong
Damage in posterior-approach hip surgery or a deep buttock injection
Difficulty rising from a chair, climbing stairs or running uphill; gluteus maximus lurch with the trunk thrown backwards at heel strike, while level walking is preserved by the hamstrings
Practise this structure
3 questions in the bank tagged Lower Limb.
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