Cadaveric study on variations in the arteries of the gluteal region with its embryological and clinical significance

In this manuscript we report a case study on 40 lower limb specimens. In 5% of cases Inferior Gluteal Artery (IGA) was absent and a branch from trunk of Superior Gluteal Artery (SGA) was replacing the distribution of IGA to gluteal region. In 2.5% of cases an additional belly of piriformis was observed. The deep branch of SGA passed deep to it whereas the superficial branch passed between additional belly and piriformis muscle. In 2.5%of cases an arterial branch from IGA was found accompanying sciatic nerve for a short distance. In the remaining 90% of cases SGA and IGA had normal course and distribution. The developmental and clinical significance of the variations in their anatomy is discussed in this study.