Gluteus minimus muscle
Musculus gluteus minimus
- Related terms: Gluteus minimus
Definition
Gluteus minimus muscle (muscle group: Superficial gluteal muscles) | |
Origin | Gluteal surface of ilium, under the gluteus medius muscle |
Insertion | Greater trochanter of femur |
Blood supply | Superior gluteal artery |
Innervation | Superior gluteal nerve (L4 to S1 nerve roots) |
Action | Abduction of the hip; preventing adduction of the hip. Medial rotation of thigh. |
Antagonist | Deep lateral rotator muscles of thigh |
Origin
From the outer (gluteal) surface of the ilium, between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines, and posteriorly from the margin of the greater sciatic notch.
Insertion
Gluteus minimus muscle fibres converge to form the tendon of the gluteus minimus, which inserts into an impression on the anterior border of the greater trochanter of the femur. The tendon also sends a fibrous expansion to the hip joint capsule, reinforcing it anteriorly.
Blood supply
Superior gluteal artery (branch of the internal iliac artery) and its deep branches.
The superior gluteal nerve and vessels course between gluteus medius and minimus, making this plane important in surgical and injection approaches.
Functions
Action | Description |
Hip Abduction | Works with gluteus medius to abduct the thigh at the hip joint. |
Pelvic Stability | Prevents pelvic drop on the opposite side during single-leg stance — critical for a normal gait cycle. |
Medial Rotation | Anterior fibres medially rotate the femur. |
Joint Support | Its tendon and aponeurotic expansion reinforce the anterior aspect of the hip capsule, providing stability. |
Clinical correlate
Superior gluteal nerve injury causes weakness of gluteus medius and minimus, leading to a positive trendelenburg sign (i.e. pelvic drop on contralateral side).
References
Greco AJ, Vilella RC. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Gluteus Minimus Muscle. [Updated 2023 May 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556144/
