The gluteus minimus is the deepest and smallest of the three gluteal muscles, lying deep to the gluteus medius. It inserts on the anterior greater trochanter facet and is a key medial rotator and hip abductor stabiliser.
| Origin | External iliac surface — between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Anterior facet of the greater trochanter |
| Nerve Supply | Superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1) |
| Blood Supply | Superior gluteal artery |
| Actions | Abducts the hip; Medially rotates and flexes the hip; Contributes to anterior trochanteric stabilisation |
|---|
Gluteus minimus tears at the anterior trochanter are associated with hip abductor tendon pathology. In total hip arthroplasty (posterior approach), gluteus minimus is reflected with the posterior capsule. Superior gluteal nerve injury during the anterior approach produces gluteus medius and minimus palsy — Trendelenburg gait.
Not individually palpable from gluteus medius — assessed by medial rotation testing.
Anterior trochanter footprint tear of gluteus minimus contributing to hip abductor insufficiency, identified by MRI and managed by abductor repair.
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