A study was carried out to determine whether the location of the inferior gluteal nerve could be reliably predicted using
external anatomy or vascular imaging. This study was motivated by our group’s development of an electrical stimulation system
to provide direct gluteal stimulation in paralyzed individuals, in particular those with spinal cord injury (SCI). Pressure
ulcers are a common complication for many individuals with reduced mobility. Numerous approaches have been employed to treat
and prevent pressure ulcers; however no procedure or nursing care regimen has been successful in eradicating them completely.
Our group seeks to prevent skin breakdown in susceptible patients by direct electrical stimulation of the paralyzed gluteal
muscle, leading to improved circulation and increased muscle mass (hypertrophy) in the treated area. Currently, percutaneous
electrodes are placed through an extensive probing process to select the motor point of the target muscle. We examined 15
cadaver gluteal regions to identify the relationship between the internal anatomy of the inferior gluteal artery and nerve
as well as the relationship to external anatomic landmarks. The cadavers displayed variability with regard to the morphology
of the branches of both nerve and artery. Furthermore, there did not appear to be any relationship between the relative positions
of the nerve and artery. However, the potential target area of the proximal origin of the inferior gluteal nerve could reliably
be predicted from the external bony anatomy of the lower pelvis.
Keywords Anatomy - Inferior gluteal nerve - Spinal cord injury