Reflect the gluteus medius muscle. (G 6.32A;N 490;Gl 34.35B)
- Work your fingers under the inferior-medial border of the gluteus medius (adjacent to the piriformis muscle). There should be a plane of separation between the gluteus medius and the deeper gluteus minimus muscles.
- Elevate the gluteus medius and use a scalpel to cut it from the ilium.
- Reflect the muscle towards the greater trochanter.
- Identify and clean the gluteus minimus. Identify and clean the superior gluteal artery and nerve emerging superior to the piriformis and passing between the gluteus medius and minimus muscles. You may remove the superior gluteal vein. Attempt to identify the tensor fasciae latae branch of this nerve as it courses lateral to reach the tensor fasciae latae muscle.
Important Relationships
- The gluteus medius muscle is positioned superficial to the gluteus minimus muscle.
- The superior gluteal artery and nerve pass directly superior to the piriformis muscle and superficial to the gluteus minimus muscle.
