Deep Dissection Of The Gluteal Region With Multiple Muscle And Nerve Variations And A Brief Literature Review

The anatomy of the gluteal region is prone to numerous variations that can significantly impact the biomechanics of the hip joint and influence clinical presentation and therapeutic solutions. This case report documents a routine dissection of the right gluteal region performed on a 73-year-old male cadaver, which revealed six muscle variations and two nerve variations. The left gluteal region was unremarkable. The cadaveric-based work was supplemented by a brief literature review to contextualize these findings within the broader anatomical landscape. T he muscle variations were: gluteus medius with two distinct parts, anterior and posterior, each part with a distinct insertion on the greater trochanter; piriformis muscle with two distinct bellies, superior and inferior, separated by the common fibular division of sciatic nerve, with each muscle belly having a distinct tendon and insertion; absence of superior gemellus; an enlarged obturator internus tendon; and quadratus femoris muscle with a serrated and broadened appearance. Additionally, the posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh had two trunks that originated from the common fibular and tibial divisions of sciatic nerve, respectively. While anatomical variations in the deep gluteal region are well documented, the presented case is unique due to the abundance of muscle and nerve variations, all co-existing together. T his case report adds to the body of literature on the significance of anatomical variations in the deep gluteal region and their clinical implications.