Tag: Ventrogluteal

The gluteal muscles can safely accommodate up to 5ml of medication in a single injection, far more than smaller muscles like the deltoid (upper arm). This capacity is a primary reason behind the common question: 'Why do they inject you in the bum?'

The gluteal muscles are among the body’s largest, capable of accommodating significantly larger volumes of medication (up to 5ml) compared to other injection sites. This substantial size and rich blood supply are the primary reasons **why do they inject in the buttocks**, ensuring effective and rapid delivery of certain medications directly into the bloodstream.

Despite being a traditional site for intramuscular injections for decades, medical literature began documenting associated injuries as early as the 1920s. This historical practice has now shifted dramatically, with major health organizations largely advising against its use. So, is the dorsogluteal still used by healthcare providers today, and what are the safer alternatives?

Did you know that cases of serious nerve damage and poor medication absorption have led to the abandonment of certain intramuscular (IM) injection practices? Due to these significant risks, the dorsogluteal site is what is no longer a recommended IM injection site in modern clinical practice, a change driven by a commitment to enhanced patient safety.

Historically, injections were often administered in the buttocks' dorsogluteal site, but due to risks like sciatic nerve injury and poor medication absorption, modern medical practice has largely abandoned this location. The shift towards safer and more effective injection sites is an evidence-based change aimed at prioritizing patient safety and therapeutic efficacy.