The inferior gluteal nerve has a single function — supplying the gluteus maximus — and has no cutaneous territory. Its injury during posterior hip arthroplasty, gluteal compartment syndrome, or sacral nerve trauma produces gluteus maximus weakness with preserved gluteus medius function (superior gluteal nerve intact). The patient is unable to rise from a chair, climb stairs, or run without marked difficulty.
| Origin | Sacral plexus (L5, S1, S2) |
|---|
Inferior gluteal nerve palsy produces a profound hip extension deficit — patients cannot rise from a chair without pushing off with their arms and have difficulty climbing stairs. It is distinguished from superior gluteal nerve palsy (gluteus medius weakness — Trendelenburg) by the preserved hip abduction. EMG confirms selective gluteus maximus denervation.
Gluteus maximus denervation from posterior hip or sacral trauma producing hip extension weakness managed with hip extension strengthening and functional bracing.
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