What are the boundaries of the gluteal region?

The gluteal region is defined by four key boundaries: superiorly by the iliac crest, inferiorly by the gluteal fold, medially by the mid-dorsal line and natal cleft, and laterally by an imaginary line from the ASIS to the anterior edge of the greater trochanter.

What is the gluteal fold and what causes it?

The gluteal fold is the oblique skin crease at the lower limit of the gluteal region. It's formed by the adherence of skin to the fascia overlying the gluteus maximus muscle.

How can I locate the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS)?

The PSIS is located within a skin dimple at the level of the S2 spine. It's a key bony landmark in the gluteal region that's often visible or palpable.

What is Nelaton's line and what is its clinical significance?

Nelaton's line is drawn from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the ischial tuberosity. In a normal hip, this line should pass through the tip of the greater trochanter, helping assess hip joint integrity.

Why is the gluteal region commonly used for intramuscular injections?

The gluteal region is preferred for intramuscular injections because it has a thick muscle mass (primarily gluteus maximus) and offers relative safety from neurovascular injury when proper injection sites are used.

How do you locate the ischial tuberosity in the gluteal region?

The ischial tuberosity can be palpated by pressing upward into the medial gluteal fold. It's positioned approximately 5 cm above the gluteal fold and lateral to the midline.

What is Bryant's triangle and what does it assess?

Bryant's triangle is a clinical reference formed by three lines in a supine patient: a vertical line from the ASIS straight down, a spinotrochanteric line from ASIS to greater trochanter, and a horizontal line from greater trochanter to the vertical line. It helps assess hip dislocation or shortening by evaluating greater trochanter displacement.

Gluteal Surface Anatomy – Injection Landmarks

❓ Frequently Asked Questions