GENERAL INFORMATION
The lateral compartment of the thigh consists of several muscles located on the lateral (outer) aspect of the thigh. These muscles play a role in various movements, including hip abduction (moving the leg away from the midline) and stabilisation of the hip joint.
ORIGIN OF THIGH LATERAL COMPARTMENT
The muscles of the lateral compartment of the thigh have their origins in different areas:
- Tensor fasciae latae: Iliac crest and the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS).
- Gluteus medius: Outer surface of the ilium.
- Gluteus minimus: Outer surface of the ilium, just below the attachment of the gluteus medius.
- Piriformis: Anterior surface of the sacrum.
INSERTION POINT
The muscles of the lateral compartment of the thigh have the following insertion points:
- Tensor fasciae latae Iliotibial tract, which runs along the lateral side of the thigh and inserts into the tibia.
- Gluteus medius: Greater trochanter of the femur.
- Gluteus minimus: Greater trochanter of the femur.
- Piriformis: Greater trochanter of the femur.
MAJOR ARTERIES
The major arteries supplying the muscles in the lateral compartment of the thigh include:
- Superior gluteal artery
- Inferior gluteal artery
NEURAL INNERVATION
The muscles in the lateral compartment of the thigh are innervated by the superior gluteal nerve and the nerve to the piriformis. These nerves provide motor innervation to the muscles, allowing them to contract and produce movement.
TRIGGER POINT OF THIGH LATERAL COMPARTMENT
Trigger points in the muscles of the lateral compartment of the thigh can develop, causing pain and discomfort in the hip and outer thigh. They may be associated with muscle tension, overuse, or muscle imbalances.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
The concentric function of the muscles in the lateral compartment of the thigh involves the shortening or contraction of the muscles. This function is primarily responsible for hip abduction, moving the leg away from the midline.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The eccentric function of the muscles in the lateral compartment of the thigh refers to the controlled lengthening of the muscles while resisting an external force. It is involved in movements such as controlling the return of the leg from an abducted position and decelerating the leg during gait.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
The isometric function of the muscles in the lateral compartment of the thigh involves contracting the muscles without any change in length. Isometric contractions of these muscles occur during activities that require stability and maintaining the position of the hip joint.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Tensor fasciae latae muscle (Musculus tensor fasciae latae)
- Gluteus medius muscle (Musculus gluteus medius)
- Gluteus minimus muscle (Musculus gluteus minimus)
- Piriformis muscle (Musculus piriformis)
ANTAGONIST
The adductor muscle group is the antagonist muscle group to the muscles in the lateral compartment of the thigh. It is responsible for hip adduction (moving the leg toward the midline).
COMMON INJURIES
- IT band syndrome: Inflammation of the iliotibial tract, often caused by friction between the tract and the lateral femoral condyle.
- Gluteal tendinopathy: Degenerative changes or inflammation in the tendons of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles.
- Piriformis syndrome: Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle, leading to pain and discomfort in the buttocks and leg.
EXERCISES
- Side-lying leg lifts: You lie on your side and lift one leg away from the other to engage the muscles of the lateral compartment.
- Clamshell exercises: Lying on the side with the knees bent, opening and closing the legs like a clamshell to target the hip abductor muscles.
- Standing hip abduction: Standing upright and lifting the leg sideways away from the body, engaging the lateral thigh muscles.
STRETCHES OF THIGH LATERAL COMPARTMENT
- IT band stretch: Crossing one leg in front of the other and leaning to the opposite side, stretching the iliotibial tract and lateral thigh muscles.
- Standing glute stretch: Crossing one leg over the other and gently pulling the knee toward the chest, stretching the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles.
- Seated piriformis stretch: Sitting with one ankle crossed over the opposite knee and gently pressing down on the raised knee, stretching the piriformis muscle.