Superior Gluteal Artery, Posterior View

Description

Arising from the internal iliac artery, the superior gluteal artery exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen superior to the piriformis and then courses laterally and posteriorly into the deep gluteal region. From a posterior perspective, its superficial and deep (upper and lower) branches fan out between gluteus medius and gluteus minimus, with perforators reaching gluteus maximus more superficially. The vessel tracks toward the lateral hip, approaching the tensor fasciae latae anteriorly and contributing to periarticular anastomoses around the greater trochanter and superior acetabular margin. Clear orientation. Clinically, the relationship to the greater sciatic notch and piriformis is the teaching point because it anchors safe dissection planes in posterior approaches to the hip and guides hemostasis during gluteal and pelvic surgery. Superior gluteal artery injury or pseudoaneurysm can follow pelvic fractures, posterior hip procedures, or intramuscular injections placed too medial or inferior, and the downstream ischemia or iatrogenic devascularization of gluteus medius and minimus is a known driver of postoperative Trendelenburg gait. This posterior map also supports interpretation of angiography and CT angiography when investigating gluteal hematoma or persistent bleeding after acetabular fixation. Use this illustration in pelvic anatomy and lower-limb courses to teach the internal iliac branches, the piriformis landmark, and deep gluteal compartment relationships, or in operative atlases describing posterior hip approaches and superior gluteal vessel preservation. It also suits trauma and interventional radiology materials covering pelvic hemorrhage control and selective embolization. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.