Hypotension as a delayed complication of rupture of a branch of the superior gluteal artery, following buttock contusion

Abstract

Superior gluteal artery injury is a rare complication of pelvic and soft tissue injury [1–5]. Originating at the sciatic notch makes it vulnerable to blunt pelvic trauma, with and without fracture. Superior gluteal artery rupture is a cause for early haemodynamic changes, which may be effectively treated by embolization. We present a patient with a rupture of the superior branch of the superior gluteal artery, due to blunt buttock injury, without a pelvic fracture, followed by late haemodynamic changes. Rupture of the superior branch of the superior gluteal artery was revealed by angiography two days after the injury, and was successfully embolized. To the best of our knowledge, this clinical presentation has not been previously described.