The superior gluteal nerve and its branches were dissected bilaterally
in ten cadavera. The patterns of branching and the distribution of the
branches were identified. The reference point for measurements was the
mid-point of the superior border of the greater trochanter. Two patterns of
neural branching were thus established. The points of termination of all
branches formed an arcuate pattern along the middle one-third of the deep
surface of the gluteus medius muscle. The so-called safe area of the
gluteus medius muscle was found to be as much as five centimeters adjacent
to the greater trochanter. If this distance is not exceeded by the
intramuscular incision, the risk to the superior gluteal nerve and its
branches will be minimum.