Gluteus Medius – The Deltoid of the Hip

The gluteus medius is an incredibly important muscle. It is functionally important at the hip joint, especially with frontal-plane mechanics. And this can have implications with dysfunctional movement patterns (e.g., Trendelenburg gait) as well as postural distortion patterns of scoliosis. And just as fascinating is to see the relationship between glute medius structure and function at the hip joint and compare it to the structure and function of the deltoid at the shoulder joint. Indeed, the gluteus medius can be described as the deltoid of the hip.

Posterior views of the deep lateral rotator group (including the piriformis)

Muscles of the Pelvis

Pelvic musculature: 1. cross the LS joint onto the trunk 2. cross the hip joint onto the thigh/leg 3. pelvic floor muscles located wholly within the pelvis