Clinical effects of superior gluteal artery perforator island flap in repair of sacral pressure ulcer / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective@#To explore the clinical effects of superior gluteal artery perforator island flap in repair of sacral pressure ulcer.@*Methods@#From May 2012 to May 2017, 20 patients with sacral pressure ulcers (14 males and 6 females, aged 27 to 67 years) were admitted to our department. According to the consensus staging system of National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel in 2016, 6 cases were in 3 stages, 14 cases were in 4 stages, with the area of pressure ulcers ranging from 5.0 cm×4.0 cm to 10.0 cm×8.0 cm. After debridement and vacuum sealing drainage, the superior gluteal artery perforator island flaps were used to repair the pressure wounds, with the area of flaps ranging from 6 cm×5 cm to 13 cm×8 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly. The survival of flaps after operation, the healing of wounds, and the follow-up of patients were observed.@*Results@#After surgery, flaps of 20 patients survived well without reoperation. The length of hospital stay of patients was 20 to 40 days, with an average of 25 days. Eighteen patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months, with an average of 12.2 months. The flaps were in good shape and elastic recovery. There were no complications such as seroma or hematoma in the donor sites. Both the patients and family members expressed satisfaction with the shape and texture of the flap and shape of hip.@*Conclusions@#The superior gluteal artery perforator island flap is reliable in blood supply and easy to rotate. The flap can carry a little muscle to increase the anti-infective ability. Moreover, the donor site can be directly sutured with slight damage. Thus, it is one of the good methods for repairing sacral pressure ulcers.

Superior Gluteal Artery Pseudoaneurysm Caused by Pelvic C-Clamp Blind Application: A Case Report / 대한고관절학회지

To control such a hemorrhage, a displaced pelvic ring must be rapidly reduced and stabilized with a pelvic binder, an external fixator, or a pelvic clamp. Among them, pelvic clamps can be life-saving but pin malposition may cause vascular complications. We present a case of superior gluteal artery pseudoaneurysm caused by AO pelvic C-clamp pin malposition.

Dual Perforator Flap for Reconstruction of Large Sacral Defects: Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator Super-Flap with Parasacral Perforator

The superior gluteal artery perforator flap technique has increasingly been used for soft tissue defects in the sacral area following its introduction nearly 25 years ago. Advantages in covering sacral defects include muscle sparing, versatility in design, and low donor side morbidity. The bilateral superior gluteal artery perforator flap procedure is planned in cases of large sacral defects that cannot be covered with the unilateral superior gluteal artery perforator flap. Here, we report two cases of large sacral defects in which patient factors of poor general health, such as old age, pneumonia, and previous operation scar, led to use of a large unilateral superior gluteal artery perforator super-flap with parasacral perforator. The approach was utilized to reduce the operation time and prevent unpredictable flap failure due to the large flap size. Even though the parasacral perforator was included, the versatility of the large superior gluteal artery perforator flap was preserved because sufficient perforator length was acquired after adequate dissection.

Clinical importance of a star shaped branch of internal iliac artery and unusual branches of an abnormal obturator artery: rare vascular variations / Importância clínica de um ramo estrelado de artéria ilíaca interna e de ramos incomuns de artéria obturatória anormal: variações vasculares raras

The internal iliac artery (IIA) is one of the branches of the common iliac artery and supplies the pelvic viscera, the musculoskeletal part of the pelvis, the gluteal region, the medial thigh region and the perineum. During routine cadaveric dissection of a male cadaver for undergraduate Medical students, we observed variation in the course and branching pattern of the left IIA. The artery gave rise to two common trunks and then to the middle rectal artery, inferior vesicle artery and superior vesicle artery. The first, slightly larger, common trunk gave rise to an unnamed artery, the lateral sacral artery and the superior gluteal artery. The second, smaller, common trunk entered the gluteal region through the greater sciatic foramen, below the piriformis muscle and presented a stellate branching pattern deep to the gluteus maximus muscle. Two of the arteries forming the stellate pattern were the internal pudendal artery and the inferior gluteal artery. The other two were muscular branches.

A artéria ilíaca interna (AII) é um dos ramos da artéria ilíaca comum e supre as vísceras da pelve, a parte musculoesquelética da pelve, a região glútea, a região medial da coxa e o períneo. Durante a dissecção de rotina realizada em um cadáver do sexo masculino para estudantes de Medicina, observamos uma variação no curso e padrão de ramificação da AII esquerda. A artéria deu origem a dois troncos comuns e então à artéria retal média, artéria vesical inferior e artéria vesical superior. O primeiro tronco comum, ligeiramente maior, deu origem a uma artéria sem nome, à artéria sacral lateral e à artéria glútea superior. O segundo tronco comum, menor, adentrou a região glútea através do forame ciático maior, abaixo do músculo piriforme, e apresentou um padrão estrelado de ramificação na parte profunda do músculo glúteo máximo. Duas das artérias que formaram o padrão estrelado foram a artéria pudenda interna e a artéria glútea inferior. Os outros dois ramos eram musculares.

Variability of Origin of Obturator Artery and its Clinical Significance.

Background: Obturator artery is a branch of anterior division of internal iliac artery. It normally runs anteroinferiorly on the lateral wall of pelvis to the upper part of the obturator foramen and leaves the pelvis by passing through the obturator canal. On its course, the artery is accompanied by the obturator nerve and vein. It supplies the muscles of the medial compartment of the thigh. A severe and potentially lethal complication in pelvic injuries is arterial bleeding commonly involving the branches of the internal iliac artery, namely the lateral sacral, iliolumbar, obturator, vesical and inferior gluteal arteries. A sound knowledge of retro-pubic pelvic vascular anatomy is pivotal for successful performance of endoscopic procedures such as total extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty or laparoscopic herniorraphy. The context and purpose of the study: This study is an attempt to analyse the origin, course, distribution of obturator artery in pelvis and their clinical implication. Result: out of 60 formalin fixed pelvic halves 36.6% of the specimens, (26.67% in males and 10% in females) the origin of obturator artery was found to be normal from anterior division of internal iliac artery. About 63.63% from various other sources. Conclusion: This knowledge of variation in the origin of obturator artery is important while doing pelvic and groin surgeries requiring appropriate ligation. Such aberrant origins may be a significant source for persistent bleeding in the setting of acute trauma. Knowledge regarding the variations of obturator artery is useful during surgeries of fracture and direct or indirect inguinal, femoral and obturator hernias.

The vascular supply of hip joint and its clinical significant / Suministro vascular de la articulación de la cadera y su significado clínico

The hip joint gains its vascular supply from the superior gluteal arteries as well as from the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries with the first perforating artery. In gluteal trauma, the superior and inferior gluteal artery may be affected which may end with vascular insult of hip joint. The current study includes a dissection of 171 cadavers to examine the vascular supply of hip joint. In 99.3% of articular branch arises from the superior gluteal artery either directly or indirectly (95.4% or in 3.9%, respectively). In 81% of articular branch arises from the inferior gluteal artery either directly or indirectly in 78% or in 3%. In 20.3% of articular branch arises from the coexistence of sciatic artery either directly or indirectly (17.7% or in 2.6%, respectively). Infrequently, the internal pudendal artery gives articular branch in 0.4%. Further, there is no difference between male and female in hip joint supply in current study. Based on current study's result, the dominant articular branch of vascular supply of the hip joint comes from the superior gluteal artery whereas the inferior gluteal artery comes beyond due its congenital absence. The coexistence sciatic artery is a replacement artery for superior or inferior gluteal artery in case of congenital absence. Due to aneurysm of the three previous arteries after trauma, it is important to study their course and articular branches to avoid iatrogenic fault of joint vascular insult during surgical management of either true or false aneurysm.

La articulación de la cadera obtiene su suministro vascular desde las arterias glúteas superiores, así como desde las arterias circunflejas femorales lateral y medial y la primera arteria perforante. En el trauma glúteo, las arteria glúteas superior e inferior pueden verse afectadas, lo que puede terminar con una lesión vascular de la articulación de la cadera. Este estudio incluyó la disección de 171 cadáveres con el fin de examinar el suministro vascular de la articulación de la cadera. El 99,3% de las ramas articulares se originan de la arteria glútea superior, ya sea directa o indirectamente (95,4% o en 3,9%, respectivamente). En 81% de los casos, la rama articular sse origina de la arteria glútea inferior, directa o indirectamente (78% y 3%, respectivamente). El 20,3% de la rama articular se origina de la conexistencia de la arteria ciática, ya sea directa o indirectamente (17,7% y 2,6%, respectivamente), y con poca frecuencia, la arteria pudenda interna origina una rama articular (0,4%). Además, los resultados no mostraron diferencia en el suministro de articulación de la cadera entre hombres y mujeres. En base a nuestros resultados, podemos señalar que la rama articular dominante de suministro vascular de la articulación de la cadera proviene de la arteria glútea superior, mientras que la arteria glútea inferior aporta de manera escasa debido a su ausencia congénita. La coexistencia de una arteria ciática, constituye un reemplazo de las arterias glútea superior o inferior en caso de ausencia congénita. En caso de un aneurisma de alguna de las tres arterias anteriores, posterior a un trauma, resulta importante estudiar su curso y ramas articulares para evitar una lesión vascular iatrogénica conjunta durante el tratamiento quirúrgico de aneurisma de tipo verdadero o falso.

Colgajo de perforantes de la arteria glútea superior para reconstrucción de defecto en región lumbosacra: reporte de un caso / Superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap for lumbosacral reconstruction

Los defectos de tejidos blandos a nivel de región lumbosacra son comunes en la cirugía reconstructiva. El colgajo de perforantes de la arteria glútea superior (SGAP) es una herramienta muy útil para el cubrimiento de este tipo de defectos y se asocia con un menor porcentaje de efectos funcionales secundarios al respetar el músculo glúteo mayor y su inervación. El objetivo de este artículo es realizar el reporte de un caso describiendo las indicaciones, la técnica quirúrgica y el resultado postoperatorio de esta intervención en un paciente con un defecto de cubrimiento a nivel lumbosacro secundario a una resección oncológica.

The soft tissue defects at the level of lumbosacral region are common in reconstructive surgery. Superior gluteal artery (SGAP) perforator flap is a very useful tool for covering such defects and is associated with a lower percentage of secondary functional effects as regards the gluteus maximus muscle and its innervation. The objective of this paper is report a case, describing the indications, surgical technique, and postoperative outcome of this intervention in a patient with a soft tissue defect in lumbosacral region secondary to an oncological resection.

Superior Gluteal Artery Injury during Percutaneous Iliosacral Screw Fixation: A Case Report / 대한고관절학회지

Percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation is commonly practiced to treat unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries. The number of reported cases of iatrogenic complications is increasing. We present a case of superior gluteal artery injury during bilateral percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation in a patient with sacral fracture of spino-pelvic dissociation. This complication was managed by arterial embolization. We discussed the cause, prevention and treatment of arterial injury along with a review of literature.

Study of Posterior Division of Internal Iliac Artery.

Background: The internal iliac artery originates from the common iliac artery at the level of sacroiliac joint. The internal iliac artery descends posterior to the greater sciatic foramen thereby dividing into anterior and posterior divisions. The posterior division of the internal iliac artery is known to give rise to three main branches i.e. iliolumbar artery, lateral sacral artery. Accidental haemorrhage is common during erroneous interpretation of anomalous blood vessels. The knowledge of the normal and the abnormal anatomy of the branches of the internal iliac artery is essential for obstetric surgeons. Methods: 50 adult human pelvic halves were procured from embalmed cadavers of J.J.M. Medical College and S.S.I.M.S & R.C, Davangere, Karnataka, India for the study. Results: Out of 50 specimens, ilio-lumbar artery took origin from posterior division, directly in 22 specimens (44%), with obturator artery in 5 specimens (10%) and with superior gluteal artery in 2 specimens (4%). From anterior division, with obturator artery in 6 specimens (12%) and with inferior gluteal artery in 1 specimen (2%). From common trunk, as direct branch in 10 specimens (20%), with lateral sacral artery in 1 specimen (2%), with vertebral branch in 1 specimen (2%), with superior gluteal artery in 1 specimen (2%) and was found to be absent in 1 specimen (2%). Posterior division of internal iliac artery given origin directly to superior gluteal artery in 44 specimens (88%), with ilio-lumbar artery in 1 specimen (2%), with obturator artery in 2 specimens (4%). Lateral sacral artery from posterior division was observed in 38 specimens (76%) and unpaired origin was observed in 7 specimens (14%). Conclusion: Internal iliac artery supplies the pelvic viscera and musculature the knowledge of its branches helpful in pelvis surgeries.

Anatomy study and clinical applications of complex tissue flap pedicled with inferior gluteal artery perforator for repairing giant sacrococcygeal pressure sore / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To discuss the technical feasibility and clinical effectiveness of using complex tissue flap pedicled with inferior gluteal artery perforator for repair giant sacrococcygeal pressure sore.Methods Thirty embalmed lower limbs of adult cadavers perfused with red latex were used for anatomical study,and the followings were observed:①The course,branche and distribution of gluteal artery.②The course and distribution of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve.③Anastomosis between the posterior cutaneous branch of gluteal artery and nutrient vessels of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve.8 cases aging from 17 years to 56 years were completed during May 2007 to July 2013,6 cases were males and 2 cases were females.The sizes of pressure sore with the depth to Ⅳ degree were ranged from 16 cm × 9 cm to 22 cm × 10 cm.The sizes of flaps were harvested from 32 cm × 10 cm to 25 cm × 9 cm.Results The gluteal artery crossed the edge of the piriformis,the main stem was (3.1 ± 0.4) mm in diameter and gave out 2-5 muscular branches to supply the gluteus maximus.The posterior femoral cutaneous nerve crossed the edge of gluteus maximus and descended between biceps femoris and semitendinosus.Perforating deep fascia point located was (5.9 ± 0.8) cm above the line between medial and lateral femoral epicondyle.The constant anastomosis were formed by the posterior cutaneous branch of gluteal artery,the obturator artery perforator and the direct popliteal artery perforator around the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve.The complex flap survived successfully in all patients.Sutures were removed at 14 days postoperatively and the wounds healed well.All supplied areas were closed by directly suturing.Recurrent sacrococcygeal pressure sore was not observed in all cases with satisfied appearance and normal color during the outpatient follow-up period from 5 months to 5 years.Conclusion The united flap of gluteal myocutaneous flap and the posterior femoral cutaneous neurovascular flap pedicled with inferior gluteal artery perforator can be used to primary repair giant sacrococcygeal pressure sore.Rich blood supply,simple operation technique and high rate survival rate was considered as advantages of the flap.The lower recurrence of pressure sore was due to nice wear resisting with rich layer of anatomical structure in the flap and strong ability of anti-infection.The clinical effect was satisfied.

Application of Perforator Flap for the Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction

The Gluteal Artery Perforator Sparing Gluteal Fasciocutaneous Rotation Advancement Flap with V-Y Closure

PURPOSE: The management of gluteal wound originated with burn is same as pressure sore. Pressure sores are managed surgically with two therapeutic components. One is a gross and sharp debridement and the other is a flap providing well-vascularized tissue to cover wounds. Central to the flap considerations is the tendency for recurrence mainly due to a poor blood supply, failure of tension-free closure and naive nursing care after operation, when reconstructive surgeons employ numerous surgical techniques in sores repair. The author used the gluteal artery perforator sparing and gluteal fasciocutaneous rotation advancement flap with V-Y closure to manage gluteal wound originated from burn. METHODS: Three cases of gluteal wound were treated with the gluteal artery perforator sparing gluteal fasciocutaneous rotation advancement flap with V-Y closure. The skin incision of conventional gluteal rotation flap is shortened to get a minimized flap size and adapts an advancement flap in a back cut pattern, supported laterally with V-Y closure for a tension-free closure. This superiorly (or inferiorly) based flap is elevated subfascially until one or two large musculocutaneous perforators of the inferior gluteal artery are encountered. The perforator down to its emergent point at the level of the piriformis muscle is dissected intramuscularly by splitting fibers of the gluteus maximus muscle in order to pivot freely. Then, the dead space is obliterated with a portion of the gluteus muscle transposed independently. The skin paddle is rotated to the defect area with the saved perforator(s) and closed the defect area. RESULTS: This technique encompasses the advantages of a perforator sparing flap, a fasciocutaneous rotation flap and an advancement flap with V-Y closure, providing a better vascularity, the flexibility of rerotation in the event of recurrence, preservation of the gluteus maximus muscle for ambulatory function, tension-free mobilization. Compared with other flaps which are previously used to manage pressure sores, one advantage is noted that the minimized operation wound is effective not only to improve the quality of patient's life in terms of position care but also to mitigate the associated wound- healing problems. CONCLUSION: This technique can be chosen primarily for management of various types of gluteal region wound including burn.

Superior Gluteal Artery-pedicled Iliac Crest for the Treatment of Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the efficacy of superior gluteal artery-pedicled iliac crest for the treatment of avascular necrosis of femoral head. MATERIAL & METHOD: From January 2001 to October 2001, we used the superior deep branches of superior gluteal artery for the pedicled posterior iliac crest bone graft to revascularize the avascular femoral head in 4 patients. They were 1 man and 3 women, and the mean age of the patients was 34 years (range, 27 to 60). The average follow-up after surgery was over 57 months (range, 15 to 82). We analyzed the clinical results by the Harris hip score, and evaluated the vascularity of the femoral head by radiographic methods. RESULTS: All cases showed no evidence of collapse on femoral heads and good revascularizations on the radiographic images. The average Harris hip score was 88.5 points. There was no complication. CONCLUSION: The revascularization procedure using the superior gluteal artery-pedicled posterior iliac crest was thought to be one of the effective and promising techniques for the treatment of the avascular necrosis of femoral head.

Anomalous Branch of Internal Pudendal Artery / Rama Anómala de la Arteria Pudenda Interna

The ischiatic artery classically described as a branch of the inferior gluteal artery, is a long and thin vessel that is related to the ischiatic nerve. In a dissection was observed that this artery emerges from the internal pudendal artery with a caliber larger than the ones described in the literature. The knowledge of anatomical variations is important to the surgeons, radiologists and anatomists.

La arteria isquiática se describe clásicamente como una rama de la arteria glútea inferior, es un vaso largo y delgado que se relaciona con el nervio isquiático. En una disección se observó que esta arteria surge de la arteria pudenda interna con un calibre más grande que lo descrito en la literatura. El conocimiento de variaciones anatómicas es importante para los cirujanos, radiólogos y anatomistas.

Absence of Inferior Gluteal Artery: A Rare Observation / Ausencia de la Arteria Glútea Inferior: Una Rara Observación

The gluteal region is an important anatomical and clinical area which contains muscles and vital neurovascular bundles. They are important for their clinical and morphological reasons. In this manuscript we report a rare case of absence of inferior gluteal artery. In the same specimen the superior gluteal artery was taking origin from the anterior division of internal iliac artery. The structures normally supplied by the inferior gluteal artery were supplied by a branch coming from the superior gluteal artery. The developmental and clinical significance of the anatomical variation is discussed.

La región glútea es una importante área anatómica y clínica, la cual contiene músculos y vitales elementos neurovasculares. Estos últimos son importantes por razones clínicas y morfológicas. En este trabajo describimos un raro caso de ausencia de la arteria glútea inferior. Encontramos también que la arteria glútea superior tenía su origen en la división anterior de la arteria iliaca interna. Las estructuras irrigadas normalmente por la arteria glútea inferior estaban irrigadas por una rama que se originaba de la arteria glútea superior. Son discutidos el desarrollo y el significado clínico de esta variación anatómica.

Ischial Pressure Sore Reconstruction Using Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap

PURPOSE: The ischial area is by far the most common site of pressure sores found in wheel chair bound paraplegic patients, because greatest pressure is exerted from the body on this area in a sitting position. Even after a series of successful pressure sore treatments, the site is very prone to relapse by the simplest ordinary tasks of everyday life. Therefore, it is crucial to preserve the main pedicle during primary surgery. Various surgical procedures employed to treat pressure sores such as myocutaneous flap and perforator flap have been introduced. After introduction of ischial sore treatment using the inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) has been made, the authors experienced favorable clinical results of patients who have undergone IGAP flap procedure in a three year time period. METHODS: A total of 17 patients received IGAP flap surgery in our hospital from January 2003 to May 2006, among which 14 of them being males and 3 females. Surgery was performed on the same site again in 6(35%) patients who had originally relapsed after receiving the conventional method of pressure sore surgery. Patients' average age was 49.4(27-71) years old. Most of the patients were paraplegic(11 cases, 65%) and others were either quadriplegic(4 cases, 23%) or ambulatory(2 cases, 12%). Based on hospital records and clinical photographs, we have attempted to assess the feasibility and practicability of the IGAP flap procedure through comparative analysis of several parameters: size of defective area, treatment modalities, occurrence of relapses, complications, and postoperative treatments. RESULTS: The average follow-up duration of 17 subjects was 25.4 months(5-42 months). All flaps survived without any necrosis. Six cases were relapsed cases from conventional surgical procedures. All of them healed well during our follow-up study. Postoperative complications such as wound dehiscence and fistula developed in some subjects, but all were well healed through secondary treatment. A total of 2 cases relapsed after surgery. CONCLUSION: The inferior gluteal artery perforator flap is an effective method that can be primarily applied in replacement to the conventional ischial pressure sore reconstructive surgery owing to its many advantages: ability to preserve peripheral muscle tissue, numerous possible flap designs, relatively good durability, and the low donor site morbidity rate.

Various Designs of Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap for Buttock Reconstruction

PURPOSE: The gluteal artery perforator flaps earned its popularity in buttock reconstruction due to the lower morbidity of the donor site and the flexibility in the design. Speedy and safe reconstruction is important for the success of buttock reconstruction. If a proper design is selected, satisfactory results can be obtained with more simple method of surgery. METHODS: Between April 2005 and April 2006, buttock reconstruction by using gluteal artery perforator flaps were performed on sacral sores(6 cases), ischial sores(2 cases) and malignant melanoma on buttock(1 case). Various designs depending on the location and the size of the defect was made. In those designs, perforator was used as an axis for the minimal dissection of the vessel. Donor site from which sufficient amount of soft tissue can be transferred was selected, and also not causing high tension against the recipient site during the donor site closure. In addition, postoperative aesthetics, and the possibility of another design of a second operation which can be necessary in the future, was considered. RESULTS: Patient follow up was for a mean period of 10.8 months. All flaps survived except for one that had undergone partial necrosis. Wound dehiscence was observed in one patient treated by secondary closure. Most patients presented with cosmetically and functionally satisfying results CONCLUSION: By designing the flap using the perforator as an axis, depending on the defect size and degree, reconstruction can be performed with only a small tension to the donor and the recipient site. And the minimal perforator dissection allowed easier and faster reconstruction. Selection of a proper design is the key procedure which greatly affects operation time and result success.

Superior Gluteal Artery Pseudoaneurysm without Pelvic Bone Fracture: A Case Report

Pseudoaneurysm is defined as the aneurysmal cyst resulted from partial or total rupture of vessel membrane, and it can be caused by fracture, operation, laceration, blunt trauma, osteochondroma and so on. When the displaced pelvic bone fracture is diagnosed, the traumatic pseudoaneurysm, which is frequently related by the direct injury of vessel, is one of the common complications, and it can result the massive hemorrhage even death. In case of the displaced pelvic bone fracture, surgeon should check the hemoglobin level and vital sign carefully for the possibility of vascular injury. Authors report the rare case of superior gluteal artery pseudoaneurysm without pelvic bone fractrure.

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%.

A Case of Hypovolemic Shock Associated with Superior Gluteal Artery Rupture Without Pelvic Fracture in Blunt Trauma

Superior gluteal artery rupture without pelvic fracture is extremely rare, but the rupture of this vessel is a well-known complication of pelvic fractures. This vessel appears to be at risk at the time of pelvic fracture because of its vulnerable anatomical position in the sacrosciatic notch. The rupture of this vessel causes profound hypotension and compartment syndrome of the gluteal or thigh region. Embolization is the most effective treatment. We report an unusual case of a superior gluteal artery rupture without pelvic fracture in blunt trauma.