1 Washington University, St. Louis 10, Missouri
The safety of intramuscular injection into the gluteal region of infants and children has recently been challenged (Combes, M. A., et al.: J.A.M.A., 173:1336, 1960; and News-Letter, American Academy of Pediatrics, Vol. II, No. 10, Dec. 1960). In adult medicine the relatively large surface area and bulk of the gluteal muscles make this the preferred site for intramuscular injection. The co-operation of the patient permits accurate identification of landmarks with injection well beyond the course of the sciatic nerve.