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.
Miguel-Pérez
Maribel
M
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
Ortiz-Sagristà
Juan Carlos
JC
López
Ingrid
I
Pérez-Bellmunt
Albert
A
Llusá
Manuel
M
Alex
Lazaro
L
Combalia
Andrés
A
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*