An Anatomical Study of the Superior and Inferior Gluteal Arteries Supplying Gluteus Maximus for Musculocutaneous Flaps / 체질인류학회지

The tissues of gluteal region including skin and underlying gluteus maximus muscle are used for reconstructions of head and neck deformities caused by trauma and lumbosacral defects caused by bed sores, and for reconstruction of breast. Moreover, gluteus maximus flaps were used for reconstruction of anal -and vaginal -sphincter dysfunctions after radical resection for treatment of cancer in anorectal or vaginal region. Because the knowledge on the precise course and branching patterns of the arteries supplying the gluteus maximus muscle enables the prediction of the safety of surgery, the perforating branches supplying skin and subcutaneous tissues which exited from the gluteus maximus muscle, the positions of the superior and inferior gluteal arteries exited from pelvic cavity under the gluteus maximus muscle, and the course of these arteries under surface of the muscle were investigated. Total ninety -one dissected gluteus maximus from 47 Korean cadavers (44 bilateral specimens and 3 unilateral specimens) were observed. The perforating branches exited from the gluteus maximus were divided into upper and lower parts. The superior gluteal artery supplied upper two fifth of gluteal region and the inferior gluteal artery supplied the rest of gluteal region. The positions of superior and inferior gluteal arteries exited from pelvic cavity were in 1 cm medial to upper one third point on connecting line from posterior superior iliac spine to greater trochanter of femur, and middle point on connecting line from posterior superior iliac spine to ischial spine, respectively. The courses of the superior and the inferior gluteal arteries were classified into four types by distribution patterns. The most common incidence (46.5%) was observed in the typical type (Type I) that the superior and inferior gluteal artery supplied the upper or lower part of gluteus maximus muscle, respectively. The incidence of type II that some branches of inferior gluteal artery run up to the area supplied by superior gluteal artery was 16.3%. In contrast to type II, the incidence of type III that some branches of superior gluteal artery run down to the area supplied by inferior gluteal artery was 18.6%. The incidence of Type IV that only superior gluteal artery supplied the muscle was 18.6%.

Gluteus Maximus Transposition for Anal Incontinence

Anal incontinence following pelvic trauma, surgery or neurologic disorder has significant medical and social implications. When no known functioning sphincter muscles are present, surgical correction of this distressing condition other than by stomal fecal diversion is aimed at recreating a sphincter mechanism under voluntary control. The use of the gluteus maximus encircling the neorectum with a contractile muscualr ring provides an active control of continence and reserves the anorectal angulation. The sacrifice of the entire gluteus maximum muscle in an ambulatory patient will cause difficulty in climbing stairs; however, the use of the anatomically dissected lower half will preserve its function. With careful dissection, the lower half of the g1uteus maximus muscle together with its neurovascular supply can be developed for anal sphincter reconstruction. Three Patient, (two men and one woman) underwent g1uteus maximus transposition for complete anal incontinence. The indication for operation were sphincter destruction secondary to extensive soft tissue necrosis on perianal, perineal and buttock area due to necrotizing fascitis(n=2), and soft tissue defect on perianal, buttock area due to trauma(n=1). The procedure is performed with the use of a diverting colostomy. The inferior portion of the origin of each gluteus maximus is detached from the sacrum and coccyx, bifurcated,and tunneled subcutaneously to encircle the anus. The ends were sutured together to form two opposing slings of voluntary muscles. Postoperatively two patient regained continence to solid stool, one to liquid stool as well. The technique of constructing sphincter is simple and utilizes principles of muscle tendon transfer without jeopardizing function of gait. Furthermore the gluteus maximus muscle, being an accessory muscle of anal continence, is an ideal structure for this reconstruction.

Contracture of the Hip Secondary to Fibrosis of the Gluteus Maximus Muscle / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Four patients were treated who had limited flexion of the hips and various degrees of contracture of the abduction and external rotator muscles because of fibrosis of the gluteus maximus muscle. Each patient had a typical restriction of motion such that an affected hip could not be flexed in the usual sagittal plane, but had to be flexed in abduction. Genetic, congenital and postnatal factors have been suggested as the cause of fibrosis of gluteus maximus muscle. Three of the 4 patients reported here are of congenital origin and another one is of postnatal factor repeated intramuscular injections. Excellent correction of the hip contracture was achieved in all patients by division of the fibrotic bands.