Superior gluteal nerve (L4–S1)
Nerves · L4 L5 S1
The only nerve to leave the greater sciatic foramen ABOVE piriformis, with the superior gluteal vessels. Runs laterally between gluteus medius and minimus and ends in tensor fasciae latae.
Traced from the start
Detail
- Motor
- Gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fasciae latae — the hip abductors that hold the pelvis level in single-leg stance
- Sensory
- None
When it goes wrong
Injury in lateral or posterior hip arthroplasty, an intramuscular injection placed in the upper inner buttock, or an L5 root lesion
Positive Trendelenburg sign: standing on the affected leg, the pelvis drops on the opposite (unsupported) side; waddling Trendelenburg gait with the trunk lurching over the weak hip
Practise this structure
1 question in the bank tagged Superior Gluteal Nerve.