Anatomy
Course
A terminal nerve of the lumbosacral plexus. It is formed by fibres from spinal segments L4 – S1. It exits the pelvic cavity by passing through the greater sciatic foramen, above the piriformis muscle. It travels anterolaterally between gluteus medius and minimus, and terminates in the tensor fasciae latae muscle.
Supply
The superior gluteal nerve supplies muscles in the gluteal region, such as gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and tensor fasciae latae.
Clinical
Damage to the superior gluteal nerve can result in impaired abduction of the leg, and can result in a specific sign called Trendelenburg gait. When a patient has Trendelenburg gait, their pelvis on the unaffected side drops whilst walking.
This is caused as the gluteus medius muscle is not acting to abduct the affected leg, and so the pelvis must drop on the other side to compensate.
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