What is the anatomy and function of the gluteus minimus muscle?

From the Guidelines

The gluteus minimus muscle plays a crucial role in hip abduction, internal rotation, and pelvic stabilization, and its anatomy and function are essential for maintaining proper gait mechanics and preventing movement dysfunctions. The gluteus minimus is the smallest and deepest of the three gluteal muscles located in the buttock region. It originates from the outer surface of the ilium between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines and inserts on the anterior surface of the greater trochanter of the femur. The primary function of the gluteus minimus is hip abduction, which means it moves the thigh away from the midline of the body. It also assists with internal rotation of the hip when the hip is flexed and helps stabilize the pelvis during single-leg stance, preventing the pelvis from dropping on the opposite side when walking or running. This pelvic stabilization is crucial for normal gait mechanics. Additionally, the gluteus minimus works synergistically with the gluteus medius to maintain proper alignment of the lower extremity during weight-bearing activities. Some key points about the gluteus minimus muscle include:

• It is located in the buttock region and is the smallest and deepest of the three gluteal muscles
• It originates from the outer surface of the ilium and inserts on the anterior surface of the greater trochanter of the femur
• Its primary function is hip abduction, and it also assists with internal rotation of the hip and pelvic stabilization
• Weakness in this muscle can contribute to various movement dysfunctions, including Trendelenburg gait, and may be associated with conditions such as greater trochanteric pain syndrome and hip osteoarthritis, as noted in studies such as 1. Strengthening exercises for the gluteus minimus, such as side-lying leg raises, clamshells, and single-leg balance activities, are essential for maintaining its function and preventing movement dysfunctions. In terms of imaging, MRI can be used to assess peritrochanteric structures, including the gluteus minimus and medius muscles, abductor tendons, and the trochanteric bursa, as noted in 1. However, the use of IV contrast in MRI may not provide additional benefits in this population. Overall, the gluteus minimus muscle plays a vital role in maintaining proper gait mechanics and preventing movement dysfunctions, and its anatomy and function should be carefully considered in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as greater trochanteric pain syndrome and hip osteoarthritis.

From the Research

Gluteus Minimus Anatomy

• The gluteus minimus muscle originates from the external aspect of the ilium, between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines, and also at the sciatic notch from the inside of the pelvis where it protects the superior gluteal nerve and artery 2.
• It inserts anterosuperiorly into the capsule of the hip and continues to its main insertion on the greater trochanter 2.
• The muscle acts as a flexor, an abductor, and an internal or external rotator, depending on the position of the femur and which part of the muscle is active 2.
• One of its functions is to stabilize the head of the femur in the acetabulum by tightening the capsule and applying pressure on the head 2.

Function of Gluteus Minimus

• The gluteus minimus muscle plays a crucial role in hip movement and stability, contributing to actions such as pelvic stabilization during gait, and abduction and rotation at the hip joint 3.
• It is essential to understand the anatomical structure of the gluteus minimus muscle to fully comprehend its role in hip joint dysfunction 3.
• The muscle's anatomy and function are closely related to its involvement in gluteal tendinopathy, a common cause of lateral hip pain or greater trochanteric pain syndrome 4.

Related Studies

• A study on the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma injections in gluteal tendinopathy found that patients with chronic gluteal tendinopathy achieved greater clinical improvement at 12 weeks when treated with a single platelet-rich plasma injection than those treated with a single corticosteroid injection 4.
• A systematic review of the anatomy of the hip abductor muscles, including the gluteus minimus, highlighted the importance of understanding the anatomical structure of these muscles to comprehend their role in hip joint dysfunction 3.
• Another study reviewed the therapeutic options for different stages of gluteal tendinopathy and provided guidelines for a stage-adjusted therapy, including the use of platelet-rich plasma injections and shockwave therapy 5.