How to avoid injuries of the superior gluteal nerve.
BACKGROUND
Injuries to the superior gluteal nerve are a common complication in hip replacement surgery. They can be avoided with a good anatomical knowledge of the course of the superior gluteal nerve.


METHODS
We dissected 29 half pelvises of adult cadavers. The distance and the angle from the entry points of branches of the superior gluteal nerve into the deep surface of the gluteus medium and minimus muscles to the midpoint of the superior border of the greater trochanter were measured.


RESULTS
The dissections revealed that the nerve divided into 2 branches (86.20%) or 3 branches (13.8%). The more caudal branch was responsible for innervation of the tensor fascia latae.


CONCLUSIONS
A 2-3-cm safe area above the greater trochanter is appropriate to prevent nerve damage.
Unit of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Department of Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine C Bellvitge, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. mabelmig@gmail.com
Maribel
M
Miguel-Pérez
Juan Carlos
JC
Ortiz-Sagristà
Ingrid
I
López
Albert
A
Pérez-Bellmunt
Manuel
M
Llusá
Lazaro
L
Alex
Andrés
A
Combalia
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002081:Buttocks / Q000294:innervation*; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*