Superior Gluteal Nerve, Posterior View

Description

Emerging from the posterior pelvis, the superior gluteal nerve exits the pelvic cavity through the greater sciatic foramen superior to the piriformis, then courses laterally between gluteus medius and gluteus minimus as it divides into deep terminal rami. Posterior bony landmarks include the sacrum and posterior ilium, with the greater sciatic notch framing the nerve’s route toward the lateral hip. Inferiorly, the hip joints are defined by the femoral heads seated in the acetabula, providing orientation for the nerve’s trajectory toward the tensor fasciae latae on the anterolateral thigh. Yellow neural elements suggest the adjacent lumbosacral plexus contributions in the pelvic basin. Clear relationships. A posterior rendering of the superior gluteal nerve is the one you want when teaching why Trendelenburg gait occurs: denervation of gluteus medius and minimus removes the primary hip abductors that stabilize the pelvis during single-leg stance. The nerve is also at risk during posterior and anterolateral approaches to the hip, pelvic fracture patterns involving the greater sciatic notch, and misplaced intramuscular injections in the dorsogluteal region, where injury can produce lateral hip pain and abductor weakness without the classic hamstring or plantar symptoms seen with sciatic neuropathy. Its course superior to piriformis is a key distinction from the sciatic nerve and inferior gluteal neurovascular bundle. Use this plate in gross anatomy and neuroanatomy teaching to anchor lumbosacral plexus organization to palpable pelvic landmarks, and in orthopedic and sports medicine materials discussing abductor insufficiency, Trendelenburg sign, and postoperative gait changes after hip surgery. It also supports patient-facing education on safe injection sites and for radiology correlation when tracing pelvic nerves on MR neurography or interpreting greater sciatic notch trauma. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.