AbstractThe lateral surgical approach to the proximal femur potentially damages the nerve supply to the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle. This study describes the detailed anatomy of the nerve supply to the VL muscle based on dissection of ten cadaveric lower limbs. In all specimens, a single nerve trunk arose from the femoral nerve, which is most subsequently divided into two main divisions. These divisions gave two branches each. These branches coursed from anteriorly and proximally to posteriorly and distally within the muscle. When the muscle was reflected anteriorly from its attachment to the linea aspera, there was no damage to its innervation. Splitting of the VL in the midlateral line of the femur, however, resulted in denervation of the posterior half of the muscle. Precise knowledge of the nerve supply to the VL will help avoid iatrogenic denervation of the muscle in surgical procedures at the proximal femur through the lateral approach. Clin. Anat. 20:556–559, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.