Rare Gluteal Artery Aneurysms: Vital in Surgery, Prone to Injury
A rare medical condition, gluteal artery aneurysms, has been documented only 22 times in the past three decades. This artery, crucial for muscle function and tissue repair, has unique divisions and branches that make it vital in certain surgical procedures.
The gluteal artery has a superficial division positioned between the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscles. Its deep division further splits into superior and inferior branches, both nestled between the gluteus medius and minimus muscles. This artery originates from the posterior part of the internal iliac artery, journeying between the first sacral nerve and the lumbar sacral cord. Notably, it supplies blood to the upper part of the gluteus maximus muscle and is the larger branch of the main gluteal artery.
In the realm of breast reconstructive surgery, the SGAP flap procedure utilises tissue nourished by this artery. However, specific surgeons employing this method for breast cancer treatment remain unnamed in available search results. Despite its importance, injury to the superior gluteal artery is possible, particularly during surgical iliosacral screw placement.
The superior gluteal artery, though rare in aneurysm cases, plays a significant role in muscle function and tissue repair. Its unique divisions and branches make it indispensable in certain surgical procedures, such as the SGAP flap method in breast reconstruction. However, like any vital structure, it is susceptible to injury during certain surgical interventions.
