1.
- Site of injection: The anterolateral thigh is the recommended location for intramuscular (IM) injections in infants under 12 months old. Medications are administered into the thickest region of the vastus lateralis muscle, precisely where the upper and middle thirds of this muscle intersect.
- Origin: Upper inter-trochanteric line, base of greater trochanter, lateral linea aspera, lateral supracondylar ridge and lateral intermuscular septum
- Insertion: Tibial tuberosity (via patellar ligament), Patella, (Lateral condyle of tibia)
- Action: thigh flexion; leg extension
- Locate:
To locate the vastus lateralis muscle, have the patient lie down or be held by a caregiver. Identify the muscle by feeling for it below the greater trochanter and above the lateral femoral condyle (knee joint). Divide the muscle into three equal parts and administer the injection in the middle third of the muscle, situated on the outer anterolateral side, to the side of the thigh's midpoint.
2.
- Site of injection: Deltoid Muscle (upper arm)
- Origin: Lateral 1/3 of Clavicle (clavicular part), Acromion (acromial part), Spine of Scapula (spinal part)
- Insertion: Deltoid tuberosity of humerus
- Action: flexion and internal rotation of the arm, abduction of the arm beyond the initial 15°, extension and external rotation of the arm.
- Locate: To locate the landmark for the deltoid muscle, expose the upper arm and find the acromion process by palpating the bony prominence. The injection site is in the middle of the deltoid muscle, about 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) below the acromion process. To locate this area, lay three fingers across the deltoid muscle and below the acromion process. The injection site is generally three finger widths below, in the middle of the muscle.
References:
Clinical guidelines (Nursing) : Intramuscular injections. (n.d.). https://www.rch.org.au/rchcpg/hospital_clinical_guideline_index/Intramuscular_Injections/
Doyle, G. R. (2015, November 23). 7.4 intramuscular injections. Pressbooks. https://opentextbc.ca/clinicalskills/chapter/6-8-iv-push-medications-and-saline-lock-flush/
Intramuscular injections for neonates | Safer Care Victoria. (n.d.). https://www.safercare.vic.gov.au/clinical-guidance/neonatal/intramuscular-injections-for-neonates#:~:text=The%20anterolateral%20thigh%20is%20the%20preferred%20site%20for%20IM%20injection,middle%20thirds%20of%20this%20muscle.
Pirie, E. (2023, September 8). Deltoid muscle. Kenhub. https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/the-deltoid-muscle
Vasković, J., MD. (2023, September 8). Quadriceps femoris muscle. Kenhub. https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/the-quadriceps-femoris-muscle