Musculus gluteus profundus
The deep gluteal lies closest to the hip joint, deep to the middle and superficial gluteals. It originates from the ischiatic spine and the gluteal surface of the ilium and inserts on the cranial aspect of the greater trochanter of the femur. Its primary actions are hip abduction and medial rotation of the femur; it also contributes to lateral stability of the hip during locomotion. Innervation is via the cranial gluteal nerve (roughly L5–S1). Because it is deep, it is not easily palpated. Isolated injury is uncommon; it is more often considered in the context of hip or pelvic trauma or as part of the overall gluteal muscle group.
Origin: Ischiatic spine and gluteal surface of the ilium (ventral portion)
Insertion: Greater trochanter of the femur (cranial surface)
Action: Abducts the hindlimb; medially rotates the femur; stabilizes the hip
Innervation: Cranial gluteal nerve (L5-S1)
Rare primary pathology. May be involved secondarily in pelvic fractures, hip luxation, or severe muscle trauma. Ultrasound or advanced imaging can identify it when indicated.
## Overview Deep gluteal pain is discomfort arising from the deep gluteal muscles or associated structures. It produces vague hind-limb lameness or reluctance to engage the hindquarters and is diffic
Sudden hind-limb lameness after a fall or slip, especially with pelvic asymmetry or reluctance to bear weight, needs veterinary evaluation. Most minor muscle strains improve with rest.
## Overview Deep gluteal pain is discomfort arising from the deep gluteal muscles or associated structures. It produces vague hind-limb lameness or reluctance to engage the hindquarters and is difficult to diagnose because of the depth of the muscles. Ultrasound-guided injection can both diagnose and treat the area. ## What It Indicates Primary muscle strain, referred pain, or secondary guarding from hip, sacroiliac, or stifle issues. ## Diagnosis Exclusion of more common causes of hind-limb lameness, pain on deep palpation or rectal examination, and response to diagnostic analgesia. ## Treatment Rest, anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy, and ultrasound-guided injection of the affected muscle when indicated. ## Recovery and Prognosis Generally good once the source is identified and treated. ## Prevention Balanced conditioning and prompt attention to early hindquarter discomfort. Signs include: vague hind-limb lameness; reluctance to engage the hindquarters; pain on deep or rectal palpation; improvement after targeted injection
Rare primary pathology. May be involved secondarily in pelvic fractures, hip luxation, or severe muscle trauma. Ultrasound or advanced imaging can identify it when indicated.
Sudden hind-limb lameness after a fall or slip, especially with pelvic asymmetry or reluctance to bear weight, needs veterinary evaluation. Most minor muscle strains improve with rest.
See the Deep Gluteal (Gluteus Profundus) on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model