The anatomy of the hip abductor muscles

Abstract

The anatomy of the hip abductors has not been comprehensively examined, yet is important to understanding function and pathology in the gluteal region. For example, pathology of the hip abductor muscle-tendon complexes can cause greater trochanteric pain syndrome, and may be associated with gluteal atrophy and fatty infiltration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the detailed morphology of gluteus medius (GMed), gluteus minimus (GMin), and tensor fascia lata (TFL), and determine whether the muscles comprised anatomical compartments. The gluteal region from 12 cadavers was dissected and data collected on attachment sites, volume, fascicular and tendinous anatomy, and innervation. Three sites of GMed origin were identified (gluteal fossa, gluteal aponeurosis, and posteroinferior edge of the iliac crest) and the distal tendon had lateral and posterior parts. GMed was the largest in volume (27.6 ± 11.6 cm(3); GMin 14.1 ± 11.1 cm(3); TFL 1.8 ± 0.8 cm(3)). Fascicles of GMin originated from the gluteal fossa, inserting onto the deep surface of its distal tendon and the hip joint capsule. TFL was encapsulated in the fascia lata, having no bony attachment. Primary innervation patterns varied for GMed, with three or four branches supplying different regions of muscle. Distinct secondary nerve branches entered four regions of GMin; no differential innervation was observed for TFL. On the basis of architectural parameters and innervation, GMed, and GMin each comprise of four compartments but TFL is a homogenous muscle. It is anticipated that these data will be useful for future clinical and functional studies of the hip abductors.

A comparison of gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and tensor facia latae muscle activation during gait in post-menopausal women with and without greater trochanteric pain syndrome

“…As the anterior portion of GMin and GMed are reported to be thinner than their posterior counterparts (Flack et al , 2014) it is plausible that a lack of variability of movement may contribute to the pathology in this region. Decreased variability has been reported in several other musculoskeletal conditions (Edwards, Steele, 2016, Heiderscheit, Hamill, 2002, Miller, Meardon, 2008, Seay, Van Emmerik, 2011, Selles, Wagenaar, 2001 and is theorised to be a chronic motor adaptation to pain (Hodges & Tucker 2011).…”

Gluteus Minimus and Gluteus Medius Muscle Activity During Common Rehabilitation Exercises in Healthy Postmenopausal Women

“…22 Its morphology and large abduction moment arm enable this muscle to stabilize the pelvis on the femur. 17 This may explain why exercises that require unilateral stance recruited the GMed at a higher level than those in bilateral stance.…”

The Gluteus Medius Activation in Female Indoor Track Runners is Asymmetrical and May be Related to Injury Risk

“…Accordingly our findings may not be applicable to running at other speeds, at other track radii, while accelerating, or on banked tracks. Our EMG measurements were limited to the gluteus medius muscle, and accordingly we do not have insight into the roles of other abductors 49,50 or other lower extremity muscles. Fine-wire EMG may be useful for evaluating the functionally distinct regions of the gluteus medius.…”