Why are intramuscular injections not given over buttocks?
8. Gluteal region is a potentially soiled area. It is difficult to expose especially in an older child. The sciatic nerve can be aberrant & hence can get damaged even when upper outer quadrant rule is followed while injecting. Lastly gluteal region has a lot of fat space. Hence if injection is not given deep, it can enter the fat space leading to poor absorption especially with hepatitis B vaccine. Fat space also has less antigen presenting cells and hence the immune response is suboptimal.
