Chinese Journal Of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2013, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (4): 402-406.

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Anatomy of the superior gluteal artery assessed by three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography

LONG Teng-fei,ZHANG Xuan-xuan,ZHAO Hui,ZHANG Pi-jun,WANG Gang   

  1. Department of Orthopedic Trauma,Nanfang Hospital,Southern Medical University,Guangzhou 510515,China
  • Received:2013-01-15 Online:2013-07-25 Published:2013-07-24

Abstract:

Objective The purpose of this study was to clarify the location and anatomy of superior gluteal artery(SGA) using three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography(3DCT-A). Methods 3DCT-A data of 114 subjects (228 hips) adopted and the following examinations were performed; (1) observation of the development rate of SGA; (2) observation of the origin, branch and course of the SGA; (3) definition of the main trunk of the extra-pelvic part of SGA(po-SGA) as the part of SGA from the point where SGA crossed through the greater sciatic notch to the end or the turning point (when there was only one deep branch) of the deep branch; the length of this main trunk was then measured, and comparison of the length between male and female was performed; (4) measurement of the length between this main trunk and bony landmarks (posterior superior iliac spine, ischial spine, greater sciatic notch starting point) of the pelvis, the lengths from this main trunk to the line between the bony landmarks(iliac tubercle, ischial spine) were carried out, and comparison of the lengths between male and female performed . Results (1)The SGA could be clearly observed in 94 subjects; (2)All SGAs originated from the internal iliac artery(IIA); (3)The SGA issued a branch in 28 hips before passing through the greater sciate notch. (4)There were statistical differences in the length between the starting point of po-SGA and the greater sciatic notch starting point, and in the length between the starting point of po-SGA and the ischial spine among male and female subjects. (5)The main trunk of po-SGA was approximatively paralleled to the line between the iliac tubercle and the ischial spine. Conclusion Understanding of the location and the anatomic relation of the SGA to the pelvis using 3DCT-A is  helpful for preventing the SGA injury during surgery.

Key words: Superior gluteal artery, Three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography, Anatomy

CLC Number: