Lower limb
Inferior gemellus
Musculus gemellus inferior
- Origin
- Ischial tuberosity
- Insertion
- Trochanteric fossa of the femur
- Function
- External rotation of the hip in extension and stabilization of the hip joint
- Innervation
- Nerve to quadratus femoris, L4-S1
- Movement & chain
- Belongs, together with piriformis, obturator internus/externus, superior gemellus and quadratus femoris, to the deep external rotators of the hip that stabilize the femoral head in the acetabulum.
- Palpation
- Deep in the posterior gluteal compartment between ischial tuberosity and trochanteric fossa; cannot be palpated in isolation.
- Clinical
- Part of the deep lateral hip rotator cuff; contributes to deep gluteal syndrome (ischiofemoral and retrotrochanteric sciatic nerve entrapment).
- Segmental innervation
- L4-S1, functionally not testable in isolation from the other deep external rotators.
- In clinical practice
- Frequent repositioning to prevent trochanteric and heel pressure ulcers; ensure hip dislocation precautions in total hip arthroplasty patients.
- Region in the model
- Lower limb