Final answer:
Injury to the superior gluteal nerve, which innervates several gluteal muscles, can occur due to an improperly administered injection in the gluteal region, leading to Trendelenburg's sign. Appropriate injection techniques should avoid the area where this nerve runs to prevent such injury and maintain nerve and muscle function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The superior gluteal nerve can be injured if an injection is improperly administered in the gluteal region. The superior gluteal nerve arises from the sacral plexus, consisting of the L4, L5, and S1 nerve roots, and it innervates the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae muscles. Injury to this nerve often leads to a condition known as Trendelenburg's sign, where there is a characteristic dropping of the pelvis on the opposite side when standing on one leg due to weakness of the gluteal muscles.
The proper site for an intramuscular injection in the gluteal region should avoid the area where the superior gluteal nerve runs. This area is typically avoided by using the "upper outer quadrant" method, which aims to prevent damage to the sciatic nerve as well. Sciatica, a more commonly known condition, is associated with inflammation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which is distinct from the superior gluteal nerve but also emerges from the sacral plexus. The sciatic nerve is a combination of the tibial and fibular nerves and extends across the hip joint and gluteal region into the upper posterior leg, while the superior gluteal nerve is primarily limited to the gluteal area.