Relationship Between the Superior Gluteal Vessels and Nerve at the Greater Sciatic Notch

Bleeding from the superior gluteal (SG) blood vessels at the greater sciatic notch is frequently encountered during acetabular fracture surgery. The purpose of this study is to define the positional anatomy of the superior gluteal vessels and nerve (SGVAN) at the greater sciatic notch. Twenty-three hemipelvi were dissected in whole human cadavers. The greater sciatic notch and SGVAN were visualized via a posterior surgical approach, identified deep in the greater sciatic notch, and traced superficially. Branches of the SGVAN and their anatomical relationship to each other were recorded. In the notch, SG arteries comprised a single vessel in 18 (78%) of 23 specimens, with all of these dividing at varying distances (1-3.5 cm) along the lateral ilium after dividing into superior and inferior branches. The SG artery branches were contiguous with periosteum of the bony notch in all specimens. More than 1 SG nerve branch was seen in the greater sciatic notch of all specimens, including an inferior branch that exited caudal or caudal-superficial to the SG vessels. The caudal-most SG nerve branch was directly adjacent to the bony notch's periosteum in 15 (65%) of 23 specimens. The SGVAN are at risk in patients undergoing acetabular fracture surgery. Individuals performing surgery along the acetabulum's posterior column would expect to encounter a major SG nerve branch (deep inferior) before encountering the SG vessels in all cases. Iatrogenic injuries to the SGVAN might be prevented by avoiding use of cautery in this area if hemorrhage is encountered.