Gluteus Minimus

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The Gluteus Minimus is a muscle of the gluteal region.

Collectively with the Gluteus Medius and Gluteus Maximus, they maybe referred to as the Glutes.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Attaches to the posterior surface of the ilium between the middle and inferior gluteal lines of the greater sciatic notch.
• Insertion: Attaches to the anterior margin of the greater trochanter.

Action: When the leg is extended, it abducts the thigh and turns it medially.

Synergist:  

• Prime Movers: Iliopsoas, Pectineus, Tensor fasciae latae, Adductor brevis, Sartorius.
• Accessory Movers: Adductor longus and magnus (anterior part), Gracilis.

Antagonist: Gluteus maximus, Adductor magnus (posterior part).

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Nerve Supply: Superior Gluteal Nerve (L4, L5, S1).

Nerve Entrapment: Like the gluteus medius, there is a possible invagination with the piriformis. While no direct entrapments have been attributed to this muscle, indirectly, it could serve as an active component with piriformis entrapment syndrome. Also like the gluteus medius, extreme hypertonicity could initiate a compressive force on the sacral nerves.

Vascular supply: Deep branch of the superior gluteal artery.

• Primary: The pain refers to the lower lateral buttocks, the lateral aspect of the thigh and knee, into the peroneal region of the leg down to the ankle.
• Satellite or associated triggers: Piriformis, Gluteus Medius, Vastus Lateralis, Peroneus Longus, Quadratus Lumborum and the Gluteus Maximus.

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Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: The individual is unable to lie on their dysfunctional side. After sitting for prolong period’s they have difficulty in rising. They experience buttock, lateral thigh, and lateral and posterior leg pain. The individual has the expressed inability to lie or walk comfortably and may remark that they cannot stretch to obtain relief.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Muscle overload, IM injection trauma, persistent tilting of the pelvis by sitting on a wallet, gait abnormality, sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Differential Diagnosis: S1 nerve compression, Trochanteric bursitis, Articular dysfunction, Degenerative disc disease, (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) Lower lumbar arthrosis herniation nerve compression (L4 or L5 radiculopathy), Sciatica, Intervertebral stenosis, Hip Dislocation, Hip fracture, Hip Pointer, Piriformis syndrome, Tensor fasciae latae syndrome, Bone cancer or Malignant neoplasm of the hip, Sacroiliac joint displacement, Coccygodynia, Reiter’s disease, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Intervertebral stenosis, Coxa plana, Pregnancy, Osteoarthritis, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (Complex regional pain syndrome), Polymyalgia rheumatica, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid arthritis, Cauda equina syndrome, Eosinophilic fasciitis, Tetanus, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

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