Muscle
Gluteus medius
Broad lateral hip muscle supporting one-leg stance
High-yield
During one-leg support, the abductors on the standing side oppose the tendency of the opposite side of the pelvis to drop. Anterior and posterior portions can contribute differently to hip rotation.
Overview
Gluteus medius spreads across the outer ilium and narrows toward the greater trochanter. Gluteus maximus covers its back portion; the rest lies beneath the region's deep fascia, above gluteus minimus.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Outer ilium between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines, with the overlying gluteal aponeurosis
- Insertion
- Lateral and superoposterior regions of the greater trochanter
- Action
- Abducts the hip and supports pelvic balance; anterior fibers favor internal rotation, while posterior fibers can assist external rotation depending on position
- Innervation
- Superior gluteal nerve branches, conventionally L4-S1
- Blood supply
- Muscular branches of the superior gluteal artery
Clinical correlation
A pelvic drop on the unsupported side is called a Trendelenburg sign. Weakness from superior gluteal nerve injury can produce it, but tendon damage or other problems affecting the hip abductor mechanism can also contribute.
Frequently asked questions
What does the gluteus medius do?
Abducts the hip and supports pelvic balance; anterior fibers favor internal rotation, while posterior fibers can assist external rotation depending on position.
What nerve innervates the gluteus medius?
Superior gluteal nerve branches, conventionally L4-S1.
Where does the gluteus medius attach?
Origin: Outer ilium between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines, with the overlying gluteal aponeurosis. Insertion: Lateral and superoposterior regions of the greater trochanter.
What is the blood supply of the gluteus medius?
The gluteus medius is supplied by the muscular branches of the superior gluteal artery.