At what angle should the vastus lateralis muscle injection be administered?

The vastus lateralis muscle is one of the main muscles in the thigh and is often chosen for intramuscular injections, especially in infants and young children due to its size and accessibility. Administering an injection into the vastus lateralis should typically be done at a 90-degree angle. This perpendicular angle allows the needle to penetrate the muscle directly, ensuring that the medication is delivered into the muscle tissue rather than subcutaneously or into other tissues.

By injecting at this angle, the healthcare provider maximizes the effectiveness of the medication by ensuring that it is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream from the muscle. Intramuscular injections at a 90-degree angle help prevent potential complications, such as hitting a blood vessel or nerve, ensuring the patient's safety and comfort during the procedure.