Pelvis and Hip Surface Anatomy

Flashcards covering the surface anatomy, bony landmarks, and muscle origins of the pelvis and hip regions.

How do you find the iliac crest?

Put your hands on the sides of your waist/hips and palpate the superior border of the ilium.

How do you find the ASIS (Anterior Superior Iliac Spine)?

Follow the iliac crest anteriorly until you reach the prominent bony point at the front.

How do you find the PSIS (Posterior Superior Iliac Spine)?

Follow the iliac crest posteriorly; the PSIS corresponds approximately with the small “dimples” of the lower back.

How do you locate the greater trochanter?

Start around the midpoint of the iliac crest, move approximately one hand-width inferiorly, and palpate the large lateral bony prominence. It moves when the femur rotates.

How do you palpate the ischial tuberosity?

Locate the “sit bone” deep to the inferior buttock.

What are the anatomical steps to locate the femoral artery pulse?

Find the ASIS and the pubic tubercle, imagine the inguinal ligament between them, and palpate just distal to the midpoint of the inguinal ligament.

What is the medial to lateral order of structures in the femoral triangle?

$V \rightarrow A \rightarrow N$ (Vein → Artery → Nerve).

How do you approximate where the sciatic nerve enters the posterior thigh?

Locate the midpoint between the ischial tuberosity (sit bone) and the greater trochanter.

What surface feature marks the inferior border of the gluteus maximus?

The gluteal fold.

Where would you expect to find the gluteus maximus?

The large superficial posterior buttock muscle, superior to the gluteal fold.

Where would you locate the gluteus medius from the surface?

On the lateral hip, between the iliac crest and the greater trochanter.

Which muscle originates from the ASIS?

Sartorius

Which muscle originates from the AIIS?

Rectus femoris — straight head

What forms the superior boundary of the femoral triangle?

The inguinal ligament.

Which two bony landmarks does the inguinal ligament connect?

The ASIS and the pubic tubercle.