Lower limb
Gluteus minimus
Musculus gluteus minimus
- Origin
- Ilium between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines
- Insertion
- Anterior surface of the greater trochanter of the femur
- Function
- Abduction and internal rotation of the hip, supports pelvic stabilization during walking
- Innervation
- Superior gluteal nerve, L4-S1
- Movement & chain
- Works synergistically with gluteus medius as a pelvic stabilizer; lies directly beneath it and is functionally almost impossible to test in isolation.
- Palpation
- Deep to gluteus medius on the anterolateral ilium; palpable immediately superior and anterior to the greater trochanter during resisted abduction and internal rotation.
- Clinical
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) and gluteal tendon tears; weakness produces a positive Trendelenburg sign and abductor lurch.
- Segmental innervation
- L4-S1, functionally indistinguishable from gluteus medius on myotome testing.
- 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