The quantitative anatomy of the superior gluteal artery and its location

Twenty cadaveric posterior gluteal regions were dissected to quantitatively determine the location and dimensions of the superior gluteal artery and its branches on the posterior gluteal region. Two reference lines were defined: one (transverse) was drawn from the posterior inferior iliac spine (PIIS) across the ilium to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), and another (vertical) was drawn orthogonal to the transverse line at a point 8 cm from the PIIS. Results showed that the average distances from the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and PIIS to the superior gluteal artery origin at the sciatic notch were 60 mm and 42 mm, respectively. The deep superior branch traveled an average of 18 mm above the transverse line at the vertical line, and averaged 54 mm from the iliac crest at the same point. This same branch inserted in the medius an average of 29 mm from the ASIS, and 11 mm above the transverse line, while providing 4 to 7 perforators to the gluteus medius and 0 to 2 to the gluteus minimus. The deep inferior branch traveled an average of 23 mm below the transverse line along the vertical line and penetrated the minimus or medius 36 mm from the ASIS, while providing 3 to 8 perforators to the medius and 1 to 3 to the minimus. The average distance from the deep inferior branch to the superior edge of the acetabulum along the vertical line was 25 mm. These data may be helpful in preventing the injury of the superior gluteal artery during the posterior gluteal approach.