Revisiting the anatomy of the peritrochanteric space:an anatomic study based on 4 fresh cadaveric hip specimens
WU Yi-dong
LI Ming
LIU Ning
WANG Ming-xin
WANG Long
WANG Yao-ting
KANG Xiao-qi
WANG Xu-peng
LIU Yu-qiang
LIANG Zhen-lei
XU Jian-hua
LI Chun-bao
Abstract：Objective To investigate the anatomical boundaries of the peritrochanteric space,its relationship with adjacent tissues,and the characteristics of the surrounding tendon complex using fresh cadaveric specimens,aimed at providing an anatomical basis for localization during hip arthroscopy.Methods Four fresh-frozen adult cadaveric hip specimens were selected.Layer-by-layer dissection was performed to expose the peritrochanteric space.The composition of its medial and lateral walls,as well as its anterior,posterior,superior,and inferior boundaries,was observed.The longitudinal length and transverse width of the space were measured.The transitional boundary between the posterior aspect of the space and the deep gluteal space was investigated in detail.The shortest distance from the lateral edge of the sciatic nerve to the posterior boundary of the peritrochanteric space was measured.Additionally,the morphological characteristics of the fiber connections and the insertion range on the medial aspect of the tensor fasciae latae(TFL)-iliotibial band(ITB)-gluteus maximus complex were observed.Results The peritrochanteric space was a distinct anatomical compartment with defined boundaries.Its posterior boundary consisted the lateral margin of the quadratus femoris insertion and the overlying loose deep fascia,serving as a natural barrier separating the peritrochanteric space from the deep gluteal space.The longitudinal length of the space was(119.5±20.0)mm,and the transverse width was(77.0±7.9)mm.The sciatic nerve was located within the deep gluteal space;the shortest distance from its lateral edge to the posterior boundary of the peritrochanteric space was(28.7±2.4)mm.The TFL,ITB,and gluteus maximus form a continuous tension complex through extensive aponeurotic connections.The insertion range of the gluteus maximus tendon into the ITB posterior to the greater trochanter was broad,extending from superior to the greater trochanter down to inferior to the gluteal tuberosity.Conclusions The peritrochanteric space possesses constant anatomical boundaries and spatial dimensions.The lateral margin of the quadratus femoris insertion and the deep fascia serve as the anatomical dividing line between the peritrochanteric space and the deep gluteal space.Determining the distance between the sciatic nerve and the posterior boundary of the peritrochanteric space provides a safety reference for arthroscopic procedures within the deep gluteal space.Planning the level of ITB release based on the anatomical characteristics of the TFL-ITB-gluteus maximus complex holds promise for improving treatment outcomes for gluteal muscle contracture.
Keywords：Hip jointAnatomyregionalArthroscopySciatic NervePeritrochanteric space
Publication Date：2026-03-19
Online Publishing Date：2026-04-02(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：5( 219-223 )