10. Deep Lateral Rotators

Table 2.1 Deep Lateral Rotators
Muscle Origin Insertion Action Innervation
Superior gemellus Ischial spine Medial aspect of the greater trochanter of the femur Lateral rotation of the leg, Abducts a flexed thigh, and helps stabilizes the hip. Nerve to obturator internus (L5/S1)
Obturator internus Pelvic surface of obturator membrane and surrounding bone As above As above As above
Inferior gemellus Ischial tuberosity and lower aspect of sciatic notch As above As above Nerve to quadratus femoris (L5/S1)
Posterior view of gluteal region showing the small gluteal muscles and gluteus minimus.
Figure 2.24 Deep lateral rotators by Beth ohara~commonswiki, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Needling

Position: prone or side lying

Palpation: Attempt to palpate these muscles around their insertion onto the greater trochanter of the femur

Technique: Needle at the attachment on the greater trochanter of the femur

Caution: Moderate – Do not needle in the middle 1/3 of these muscles as the sciatic nerve travels directly over these muscles. It is safer to needle along their attachment to the greater trochanter. 

Needling the deep lateral rotators of the hip.
Figure 2.25 Needling the deep lateral rotators of the hip, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 2.10 Needling of deep lateral rotators, original video by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

License

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