Nerve
Superior gluteal nerve
Hip abductors
High-yield
Injury → positive Trendelenburg sign (pelvis drops on the contralateral swing side). Supplies no skin.
Overview
A sacral plexus nerve leaving the pelvis above piriformis to supply the hip abductors, essential for pelvic stability in gait.
Reference facts
- Roots
L4, L5, S1 (sacral plexus)
- Course
Exits the greater sciatic foramen superior to piriformis with the superior gluteal vessels, running between gluteus medius and minimus
- Motor
Gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae
- Sensory
None
Clinical correlation
Superior gluteal nerve palsy produces a Trendelenburg gait.