Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of the Thigh Relating to the Restoration of the Gluteal Fold

Abstract

The aim of this study was to elucidate the anatomic relationship between the posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh (PCNT) and the gluteal fold.A total of 20 amputated thighs from 10 fresh Korean cadavers were used in this study (10 men; age range, 52-76 years). The PCNT was located at an average distance of 13.1 +/- 1.7 cm (medial range, 10.5-16.0 cm) medial to the gluteal fold. The majority of the PCNT travels along the middle 1/3 of the thigh at the level of the gluteal fold (medial 3/10 to 6/10; average, 42.1% +/- 8.7%; range, 23.8%-59.2%). The majority (85%) of the sites of emergence of the perineal branches were located within a rectangular region that covered the medial 1/4 to 1/2 of the thigh on the x axis and the proximal 1/12 to 1/4 of the thigh on the y axis. Most (78%) of the sites of emergence of the inferior cluneal nerve were located within 2 semicircular regions, an upper semicircle and a lower semicircle. The upper semicircle was 3 cm in diameter, and its center was located in the medial 2/5 of the thigh on the x axis. The lower semicircle was 2.5 cm in diameter, and its center was located at the midpoint of the thigh on the x axis. The majority (90%) of the main branches of the PCNT were located within a rectangular region, the base of which extended from the medial 1/3 to 2/3 of the thigh on the x axis and the height of which was in the proximal 1/10 to 2/5 of the thigh on the y axis. Our study describes the characterization of the site and reach of the PCNT in the thigh. It is imperative to know the exact location of the PCNT to avoid causing injury to the nerve during buttock lift.