ventroglutealis

Ventroglutealis, or the ventrogluteal site, is an intramuscular injection location in the gluteal region. It is used to administer certain medications and vaccines into the gluteus medius muscle, outside of major nerves and vessels, and is favored for its relatively large muscle mass and safety profile compared with some other buttock sites.

Anatomy and landmarks: The ventrogluteal site lies on the anterolateral aspect of the hip, over the gluteus medius. A common method to locate it uses the hands as guides: place the heel of the hand on the greater trochanter, point the index finger toward the anterior superior iliac spine, and align the middle finger along the iliac crest toward the posterior superior iliac spine, forming a V shape. The injection is delivered in the center of this V, within the thick portion of the gluteus medius.

Technique and administration: The patient is positioned to expose the hip region. The clinician inserts a needle at a 90-degree angle to the skin and administers the medication into the muscle fiber of the gluteus medius at the center of the designated area. Aspiration and injection rate may follow local protocols, with care taken to avoid pockets of scar tissue or induration.

Clinical significance: The ventrogluteal site is widely regarded as a safe intramuscular injection site because it minimizes risk to the sciatic nerve and major vessels and accommodates substantial muscle mass. It is an alternative to the dorsogluteal site and is preferred in many guidelines when feasible, though it may be challenging to locate in some patients.