Lower limb

Superior Gemellus

Musculus gemellus superior

Origin

Ischial spine

Insertion

Trochanteric fossa of the femur, together with the tendon of obturator internus

Function

External rotation and abduction of the hip (with the hip flexed)

Innervation

Branch to obturator internus, from the sacral plexus (L5-S2)

Movement & chain

Part of the deep external rotators of the hip ('pelvitrochanteric group'); functionally reinforces the tendon of obturator internus.

Palpation

Not directly palpable due to being covered by gluteus maximus; can be tested functionally via resisted hip external rotation.

Clinical

Part of the deep hip girdle complex that can be involved in deep gluteal pain syndromes, comparable to piriformis syndrome.

Segmental innervation

L5-S2.

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