Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Superior Gluteal Nerve Anatomy and Its Injuries: Aiming for a More Secure Surgical Approach of the Pelvic Region

Version 1 : Received: 13 June 2023 / Approved: 14 June 2023 / Online: 14 June 2023 (07:22:01 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Pinho, A.R.; Leite, M.J.; Lixa, J.; Silva, M.R.; Vieira, P.; Nery-Monterroso, J.; Bezerra, M.C.; Alves, H.; Madeira, M.D.; Pereira, P.A. Superior Gluteal Nerve Anatomy and Its Injuries: Aiming for a More Secure Surgical Approach of the Pelvic Region. Diagnostics 2023, 13, 2314. Pinho, A.R.; Leite, M.J.; Lixa, J.; Silva, M.R.; Vieira, P.; Nery-Monterroso, J.; Bezerra, M.C.; Alves, H.; Madeira, M.D.; Pereira, P.A. Superior Gluteal Nerve Anatomy and Its Injuries: Aiming for a More Secure Surgical Approach of the Pelvic Region. Diagnostics 2023, 13, 2314.

Abstract

Because most of the recognized causes of superior gluteal nerve (SGN) injury are iatrogenic, detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the SGN is crucial to prevent its injury associated with surgical procedures. This study aims to describe the precise location of SGN or its branches at the greater sciatic foramen, measure the distances of these nervous structures to palpable bony landmarks, and evaluate the possible correlation between these parameters and pelvis size. Twenty human cadaveric hemipelvises were studied. After dissection to expose the SGN or its branches at the greater sciatic foramen, the distances from these nervous structures to the greater trochanter (GT), to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), to the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), to the ischial tuberosity (IT), and to the greater sciatic notch were measured. We found that at the greater sciatic foramen the SGN emerges as a common trunk in 75% of hemipelvises, and already divided in its superior and inferior branches in 25% of hemipelvises. When the SGN exits the pelvis as a common trunk, it does so, in most cases, in contact with the bone at the apex of the greater sciatic notch or superior to it. The median distance from the SGN at the greater sciatic notch to the PSIS, ASIS, GT and IT is 7.6 cm, 10.9 cm, 7.5 cm and 10.8 cm, respectively. We found a positive correlation between some of the analyzed parameters and the size of the pelvis. The anatomical data of this study may serve as pivotal guides during orthopedic pelvic surgery, contributing to minimize SNG iatrogenic lesions with significant implications in the patient's quality of life.

Keywords

superior gluteal nerve; greater sciatic notch; bony landmarks; cadaver study; dissection; surgical anatomy

Subject

Medicine and Pharmacology, Anatomy and Physiology

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