ventrogluteale

Ventrogluteal site refers to a location on the lateral hip used for intramuscular injections. It targets the gluteus medius muscle and is widely recommended as a safe IM injection site because it minimizes the risk of injury to nerves and large blood vessels and reduces the chance of injecting into adipose tissue.

To locate the site, the clinician identifies the greater trochanter and the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). The hand is placed with the palm over the greater trochanter, the index finger pointing to the ASIS, and the middle finger along the iliac crest, forming a V between the index and middle fingers. The injection is given in the center of this V, at a right angle to the skin into the gluteus medius.

Advantages include a lower risk of sciatic nerve injury compared with the dorsogluteal site, suitability for moderate to larger injection volumes, and a relatively thick muscle mass suitable for adults and older children. Typical volumes for intramuscular injections in this site range from about 1 to 3 milliliters, depending on patient age and muscle mass.

Limitations include potential difficulty in locating landmarks in very obese patients, and it requires training to perform correctly. Contraindications include infection at the injection area or skin lesions.

Guidelines from major health organizations commonly recommend ventrogluteal injections as a preferred IM site for adults and older children, with alternatives such as the deltoid or dorsogluteal sites chosen if the ventrogluteal site is not suitable.