Mnemonic

Superior Gluteal Nerve - Trendelenburg Sign

A memory aid for the superior gluteal nerve and the Trendelenburg sign.

Expansion

Supplies the hip abductors; injury causes the pelvis to drop on the opposite side

Expansion

  • Supplies - gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and tensor fasciae latae
  • Action of those muscles - abduct the hip and stabilise the pelvis during single-leg stance
  • Injury - a positive Trendelenburg sign, where the pelvis sags on the contralateral (unsupported) side when standing on the affected leg

It is at risk during hip surgery and from badly placed gluteal injections.