The Vastus Lateralis Landmark Location?

The vastus lateralis muscle is a common site for intramuscular injections, particularly in infants due to its most developed position. The ventrogluteal site is generally recommended for intramuscular medication administration in adults, but IM vaccines may be administered in the deltoid site. The vastus lateralis muscle is located halfway down the vastus lateralis muscle on the outside of the thigh, with markers including the greater trochanter and the lateral.

The vastus lateralis muscle is a unipennate muscle in the anterior compartment of the thigh, along with the sartorius, quadriceps femoris, rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), and other muscles. It is relatively easy to locate and access, making it an ideal site for intramuscular injections.

To landmark the vastus lateralis, position the patient lying down or being held by a parent. Palpate the muscle below the greater trochanter and above the lateral femoral condyle (knee joint). Markers include the greater trochanter and the lateral femoral condyle, with the injection site about halfway between these two levels.

Dr. Ebraheim’s educational animated video describes intramuscular injection of the vastus lateralis muscle in the thigh. This site is located at the lateral aspect of the thigh between the greater trochanter of the femur and the lateral femoral condyle of the knee.