Gluteus Medius

The gluteus medius is a thick, fan-shaped muscle located on the outer surface of the pelvis, deep to the gluteus maximus. It originates from the ilium and inserts into the greater trochanter of the femur. The muscle is essential for hip abduction and stabilization of the pelvis during walking. It is innervated by the superior gluteal nerve and supplied by the superior gluteal artery. Injury to the gluteus medius or its nerve supply can affect gait and posture. See also gluteoplasty, gluteus_maximus, gluteus_minimus.