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The gluteus minimus is a small triangular muscle located deep in the posterior region of the hip. It is the smallest and innermost of the three gluteal muscles, arising from the outer surface of the ilium and inserting into the greater trochanter of the femur. The gluteus minimus is involved in the abduction and internal rotation of the thigh and acts in synergy with the gluteus medius to produce movements on the hip joint. Its primary function is the abduction of the femur, with internal and external rotation occurring depending on the position of the femur. The muscle is innervated by the superior gluteal nerve and receives its blood supply from the deep branch of the superior gluteal artery.
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What You'll Learn
Location
The gluteus minimus is the smallest of the three gluteal muscles that make up the buttocks. It is a small triangular muscle located deep in the posterior region of the hip, spanning from the gluteal surface of the ilium to the proximal end of the femur. The gluteal lines are bumpy lines on the outer surface of the pelvis. There are three of them: inferior, anterior, and posterior. The gluteus minimus attaches between the inferior and anterior gluteal lines, commonly referred to as the "origin" or proximal attachment. The other end of the muscle, known as the "insertion" or distal attachment, attaches to the front of the greater trochanter of the femur. The greater trochanter is a large bony protrusion or bump felt on the outside of the hip.
The gluteus minimus is located just beneath the gluteus medius muscle. The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus act in synergy on the hip joint to produce movements such as the internal rotation and abduction of the thigh. The gluteus minimus is also an important stabilizer of the pelvis in the gait cycle.
The anterior margin of the gluteus minimus is related to the tensor fasciae latae, while the posterior margin is related to the piriformis muscle. The tendon of the gluteus minimus is located superficially to the reflected tendon of the rectus femoris and the capsule of the hip joint.
The gluteus minimus muscle is innervated by the superior gluteal nerve (L4-S1), a branch of the sacral plexus. The blood supply to the gluteus minimus muscle comes from the deep branch of the superior gluteal artery. The distal portion of the muscle and its tendon also receive contributions from the trochanteric anastomosis, an arterial network formed by the ascending branch of the medial circumflex femoral artery and the descending branches of the superior and inferior gluteal arteries.
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Function
The gluteus minimus is the smallest gluteal muscle, located deep in the posterior region of the hip. It is the innermost of the three muscles in each buttock, arising from the outer surface of the ilium and inserting into the greater trochanter of the femur. The gluteus minimus acts in synergy with the gluteus medius to produce movements on the hip joint, including the abduction and internal rotation of the thigh. This muscle also helps to stabilize the pelvis during the gait cycle.
The gluteus minimus can be divided into an anterior and a posterior part, each with distinct functions. The anterior portion of the gluteus minimus assists in flexing the hip joint and lifting the leg. For example, when raising the leg in front, the anterior part of the gluteus minimus contracts to help with the movement, while the posterior part lengthens. On the right side, the gluteus minimus contracts to stabilize the femur relative to the pelvis, and it does the same on the left side.
The gluteus minimus also plays a role in the external rotation of the thigh, depending on the position of the hip and femur. With the hip flexed, the muscle internally rotates the thigh, and with the hip extended, it externally rotates the thigh. Additionally, the gluteus minimus contributes to the abduction of the femur, along with the gluteus medius. The anterior fibres of these muscles flex the hip and rotate the thigh inward by drawing the greater trochanter forward.
The gluteus minimus is innervated by the superior gluteal nerve (L4-S1), a branch of the sacral plexus. The blood supply to this muscle comes from the deep branch of the superior gluteal artery. The distal portion of the gluteus minimus and its tendon receive contributions from the trochanteric anastomosis, an arterial network formed by the ascending branch of the medial circumflex femoral artery and the descending branches of the superior and inferior gluteal arteries.
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Yoga poses
The gluteus minimus is the smallest of the three gluteal muscles, with the other two being the gluteus medius and gluteus maximus. It is an important muscle for hip stability and plays a role in negotiating the position of the thighbone in the hip socket. The gluteus minimus is also referred to as the "'deltoids of the hip joint' because the anterior portion functions in opposition to the posterior portion. For example, when raising your leg in front of you, the anterior part of the gluteus minimus contracts to help lift your leg, while the posterior part lengthens.
- Chair Pose (Uber Utkatasana): This pose strengthens the lower gluteus maximus (LGM), hamstrings, and lower back muscles. Stand with your feet mat-width apart, inhale and lift your arms overhead, then exhale and bend your knees while sliding your hips back.
- Crescent Lunge: Step into a Crescent Lunge and lean your upper body forward on the diagonal. Recreate the Uber Utkatasana actions in the back leg and spine, then lift and lower the back heel while keeping the ball of the big toe grounded.
- Half Moon and Warrior Three: These poses have been found to highly activate the gluteal muscles in the lifted leg.
- Small Leg Raise: Lie on your right side, lining up your heels, hips, and shoulders with the long edge of your mat. Draw your belly in gently to engage your core. Flex your left foot, positioning the pinky edge of the foot parallel to the floor, and lift the foot to hip height.
Remember, when practising these yoga poses, focus on engaging the deep stabilizers and giving the major movement muscles a break. It is important to listen to your body and make adjustments as needed.
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Injuries
The gluteus minimus is the smallest of the three gluteal muscles. It is located deep to the gluteus medius muscle and works together with it to abduct and internally rotate the thigh, and stabilise the hip and pelvis. The gluteus minimus is active during movements that require hip stability, such as running, walking, jumping, landing, and changing direction.
Because of its location and function, gluteus minimus injuries often present as tears or avulsion injuries, which can be caused by acute tears from activity or develop over time from load and stress. Symptoms of a gluteus minimus tear include pain in the buttock, lateral hip, low back, or proximal hamstring. The pain may be prolonged and last for several hours after activity or be felt as stiffness or soreness the next morning. Limping may also be observed.
In terms of treatment, physiotherapy and rehabilitation exercises can help with the recovery process. A good physiotherapist will be able to guide you through each step of the rehab process, from diagnosis to a safe return to sport. Specific conservative training regimens and muscle transfer techniques may also be recommended.
It is important to note that gluteus minimus injuries can be challenging to diagnose and treat, and imaging techniques such as sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be required. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, it is advisable to seek professional advice and not ignore the issue, as it may worsen over time.
Additionally, yoga practitioners should be aware that the gluteus minimus is often implicated in common restrictions seen in yoga. Trigger points in this muscle can mimic sciatica and create the feeling of sit bone pain. Understanding the role of the gluteus minimus in hip stability can help yoga practitioners adjust their postures to avoid injuries.
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Innervation
The gluteus minimus is the smallest gluteal muscle, located deep in the posterior region of the hip. It is the innermost of the three muscles in each buttock, arising from the outer surface of the ilium and inserted into the greater trochanter of the femur. The gluteus minimus acts in synergy with the gluteus medius to produce movements in the hip joint, specifically the internal rotation and abduction of the thigh. This muscle also plays a crucial role in stabilising the pelvis during the gait cycle.
The innervation of the gluteus minimus is an important aspect of its function. This muscle is innervated by the superior gluteal nerve (L4-S1), which is a branch of the sacral plexus. The superior gluteal nerve is responsible for supplying motor and sensory functions to the gluteus minimus, enabling it to contract and relax in a coordinated manner.
The gluteus minimus muscle fibres converge towards a narrow tendon, which takes an anteroinferior course towards the femur. The tendon passes over the superior aspect of the greater trochanter of the femur, separated by the trochanteric bursa of the gluteus minimus. Finally, the tendon inserts onto the anterolateral aspect of the greater trochanter.
In some cases, the gluteus minimus muscle fibres may blend with other muscles, such as the piriformis, superior gemellus, or the vastus lateralis of the quadriceps femoris muscle. The blood supply to this muscle comes from the deep branch of the superior gluteal artery, which arises from the posterior division of the internal iliac artery.
Damage to the superior gluteal nerve that innervates the gluteus minimus can have significant consequences. Peripheral nerve injury may lead to a loss of motor function, resulting in the sagging of the pelvis, also known as Trendelenburg's sign. This condition is characterised by a compensatory bend in the upper body towards the stance leg to maintain balance. Additionally, tendinopathy of the gluteus minimus can result in greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), causing lateral hip pain.
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Frequently asked questions
The gluteus minimus is the smallest gluteal muscle. It is the innermost muscle of the buttocks.
The gluteus minimus is located deep in the posterior region of the hip, spanning from the gluteal surface of the ilium to the proximal end of the femur.
The gluteus minimus is involved in the abduction and internal rotation of the thigh. It acts in synergy with the gluteus medius to produce movements on the hip joint.
The gluteus minimus is often related to yoga postures and can be stretched through certain poses. It is also associated with common restrictions seen in yoga.
The blood supply to the gluteus minimus muscle comes from the deep branch of the superior gluteal artery.
