1. Site of Injection: Thigh or Anterolateral thigh
Muscle Targeted: Lateral side of the thigh in the midportion of the vastus lateralis muscle
Origin: Superior portion of intertrochanteric line, anterior and inferior borders of greater trochanter, superior portion of lateral lip of linea aspera, and lateral portion of gluteal tuberosity of femur
Insertion: Lateral base and border of patella; also forms the lateral patellar retinaculum and lateral side of quadriceps femoris tendon
Action: Extends the knee
How to locate: Palpate the muscle below the greater trochanter and above the lateral femoral condyle (knee joint). Divide the muscle into thirds and administer the injection into the middle third of the muscle, in the outer anterolateral aspect, lateral to the midpoint of the thigh.
The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne (May 2022). Intramuscular Injections. Clinical Guidlines (Nursing). Retrieved from rch.org.au/rchcpg/hospital_clinical_guideline_index/Intramuscular_Injections/
2. Site of Injection: Upper arm
Muscle Targeted: Deltoid
Origin: Lateral third of clavicle, acromion, spine of scapula to deltoid tubercle
Insertion: Middle of lateral surface of humerus
Action: Abducts arm, anterior fibers flex and medial rotate, posterior fibers extend and lateral rotate
How to locate: Form an imaginary upside-down triangle on the patient’s arm by placing 2-3 fingers down from the acromion process. The bottom point or the peak of the triangle is located at the level of the axilla.
References:
British Columbia Pharmacy Association (n.d.). Landmarking for Deltoid IM Injections. Retrieved from https://www.bcpharmacy.ca/system/files/assets/content/Landmarking%20for%20Deltoid%20IM%20Injections%20-%20BCPhA.pdf
Loyola University Medical Education Network (n.d.). Master Muscle List. Retrieved from https://www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/meded/grossanatomy/dissector/mml/delt.htm
Tortora, G. J. & Derrickson, B. (2017). Principles of anatomy & physiology (15th ed.).