The superior gluteal nerve is a mixed (motor and sensory) nerve of the sacral plexus that originates in the pelvis. It provides motor innervation to the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fasciae latae, and piriformis muscles; it also has a cutaneous branch.

Structure

Origin

The superior gluteal nerve originates in the sacral plexus. It arises from the posterior divisions of L4, L5 and S1.

Course

It exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen superior to the piriformis muscle. It is accompanied by the superior gluteal artery and the superior gluteal vein. It passes lateral-ward in between the gluteus medius muscle and the gluteus minimus muscle, accompanied by the deep branch of the superior gluteal artery. It divides into a superior branch and an inferior branch. The inferior branch continues to pass between the two muscles to end in the tensor fasciae latae muscle.

Distribution

Motor

Sensory

The superior gluteal nerve also has a cutaneous branch.

Clinical significance

Gait

In normal gait, the small gluteal muscles on the stance side can stabilize the pelvis in the coronal plane. Weakness or paralysis of these muscles caused by a damaged superior gluteal nerve can result in a weak abduction in the affected hip joint. This gait disturbance is known as Trendelenburg gait. In a positive Trendelenburg's sign the pelvis sags toward the normal unsupported side (the swing leg). The opposite, when the pelvis is elevated on the swing side, is known as Duchenne limp. Bilateral loss of the small gluteal muscles results in a waddling gait.

Iatrogenic damage

The superior gluteal nerve may be damaged by intramuscular injections and nephrectomy.