Superior gluteal artery laceration, a complication of iliac bone graft surgery

In the 2 cases cited, laceration of the superior gluteal artery occurred when removing bone from the posterior ilium. A review of the anatomy shows how the superior gluteal artery, as it exists the sciatic notch, can be compressed locally and exposed for clipping or ligation. The internal iliac artery can be occluded by embolization of a Fogerty catheter. The bony origin of the gluteus maximus is a good landmark to help avoid entering the sciatic notch and a special retractor provides the necessary exposure.