Gluteus Medius

The gluteus medius, one of the three gluteal muscles, is a broad, thick, radiating muscle, situated on the outer surface of the pelvis.

Gluteus Medius is an important muscle in controlling the level of the hips. Weaknesses in gluteus medius often result in a trendelenburg sign, an abnormal gait cycle where the hip of the swinging leg drops down, rather than raises up. This results in increased degrees of knee flexion in order to clear the ground.

Anatomy of the Gluteus Medius

The gluteus medius muscle is antagonist to the lateral rotator group.

The gluteus medius is innervated by the superior gluteal nerve and supplied by the superior gluteal artery.

It arises from the outer surface of the ilium between the iliac crest and posterior gluteal line above, and the anterior gluteal line below; it also arises from the gluteal aponeurosis covering its outer surface.

The fibers converge to a strong flattened tendon, which is inserted into the oblique ridge which runs downward and forward on the lateral surface of the greater trochanter.

Functions of the Gluteus Medius

The gluteus medius and minimus abduct the thigh when the limb is extended but are principally called into action in supporting the body on one limb, in conjunction with the Tensor fasciae latae.

You will use it daily when you step out of the bathroom sideways.

Some of the best exercises to strengthen the gluteus maximus include squats, the laying abduction using a resistance band, standing abduction using a resistance band, gluteal stretch and outer hip stretch.

The more common complication is Myofascial pain in the buttock muscles.

Bookmark this:

Bookmark this page