Variations in the Gluteal Course of Sciatic Nerve in Nigerian Cadavers: Implications for Intramuscular Injections

Injury to the Sciatic nerve as a result of intragluteal injections is quite common but avoidable. This study aimed to provide a safe alternative to the traditional dorsogluteal and ventrogluteal injection sites. Eighty four (84) gluteal regions from forty two (42) cadavers were dissected following guidelines described in Finley's Interactive cadaveric dissection guide and the 15th Edition of Cunningham's manual of practical anatomy. The course of the Sciatic nerve in the gluteal region as well as the distance between relevant surrounding structures were examined. The Sciatic nerve was observed to have a normal course through the Ischio-trochanteric path in all the cadaveric specimens dissected. An anatomical space approximately 6cm, and free from major neurovascular structures was observed to exist between the medial margin of Sciatic nerve at exit point and the gluteal cleft at the midline. We suggest that this space, 5.77cm; 6.09cm long in male and female cadavers can be used as a safe site for intragluteal injections especially when the usual injection sites for some reasons are not available. This study will also be helpful in the management of certain categories of surgical patients and other individuals with special needs

Key Words: Sciatic nerve;Cadavers;Intragluteal; Dorsogluteal; Ventrogluteal