dorsoglutealis

Dorsoglutealis refers to the upper outer quadrant of the buttock. This anatomical region is significant primarily in the context of intramuscular injections. When administering medication intramuscularly into the buttock, the dorsogluteal site was historically a common choice. However, due to the proximity of the sciatic nerve and the superior gluteal artery and vein, as well as the potential for hitting bone, its use has significantly declined in favor of other injection sites.

The muscle located in this area is the gluteus medius. This muscle is a key stabilizer of the pelvis during gait. Accidental injury to the sciatic nerve during an injection in the dorsogluteal site can lead to paralysis of the leg muscles or severe pain. Similarly, damage to the superior gluteal vessels can cause significant bleeding.

Current medical guidelines and best practices generally recommend alternative sites for gluteal intramuscular injections, such as the ventrogluteal or deltoid muscles. These sites are considered safer due to their anatomical position and reduced risk of injury to major nerves and blood vessels. When injections are still administered in the buttock, careful landmarking techniques are crucial to ensure the needle is placed in a safe area, often favoring the ventrogluteal site which is the upper outer quadrant of the hip, but not strictly the dorsogluteal area as historically understood for injection.