Muscle
Gluteus medius
Hip abductor and pelvic stabiliser
High-yield
Superior gluteal nerve; weakness → Trendelenburg sign (pelvis drops on the contralateral, unsupported side).
Overview
A fan-shaped muscle deep to gluteus maximus that abducts the thigh and, crucially, keeps the pelvis level during single-leg stance.
Reference facts
- Origin
- External ilium between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines
- Insertion
- Lateral surface of the greater trochanter of the femur
- Action
- Abducts the thigh; steadies the pelvis in single-leg support; anterior fibres medially rotate
- Innervation
- Superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1)
- Blood supply
- Superior gluteal artery
Clinical correlation
Superior gluteal nerve injury produces a positive Trendelenburg sign.
Frequently asked questions
What does the gluteus medius do?
The gluteus medius abducts the thigh; steadies the pelvis in single-leg support; anterior fibres medially rotate.
What nerve innervates the gluteus medius?
The gluteus medius is innervated by the superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1).
Where does the gluteus medius attach?
The gluteus medius originates from the external ilium between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines and inserts on the lateral surface of the greater trochanter of the femur.
What is the blood supply of the gluteus medius?
The gluteus medius is supplied by the superior gluteal artery.