Superior Gluteal Nerve, Posterior View

Description

Emerging from the sacral plexus on the anterior surface of the sacrum, the superior gluteal nerve is traced as it courses laterally toward the greater sciatic foramen. From a posterior perspective it is seen exiting the pelvis superior to the piriformis muscle, then passing deep to gluteus medius and gluteus minimus as it runs between those muscles and the lateral ilium. Bony landmarks frame the pathway, including the sacrum in the midline, the posterior ilium with its broad ala laterally, and the acetabula with the femoral heads seated inferiorly. Proximal branches remain close to the posterior pelvic wall before diverging toward the lateral hip. Clinically, the relationship to piriformis and the greater sciatic foramen is the point of orientation when teaching sciatic region anatomy and when distinguishing patterns of buttock pain that are not sciatic nerve entrapment. Injury to the superior gluteal nerve, most often iatrogenic during intramuscular injection placed too medial or inferior or during a posterolateral approach to the hip, denervates gluteus medius and minimus and produces abductor weakness with a Trendelenburg gait. Small nerve, big functional consequence. Designed for gross anatomy teaching of the pelvis and posterior hip, this plate supports lectures and lab manuals covering the sacral plexus, gluteal compartment, and safe injection zones in the superolateral quadrant of the buttock. It also fits orthopaedic and sports medicine materials discussing lateral hip pain, abductor tendon pathology, and postoperative gait changes after total hip arthroplasty. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.