Femur , pelvic -2025-03-10

Pelvic Structure

• The pelvis consists of two bones held together by cartilage, allowing for slight movement. This mobility is important during activities such as walking and giving birth.

• Key landmarks in the pelvis:

  • Iliac Crest: The upper ridge of the ilium.

  • Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS): The forward projection of the iliac crest.

  • Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine (AIIS): Located just below the ASIS.

  • Acetabulum: The socket for the femur that forms the hip joint.

  • Pubic Tubercle: Located at the tip of the pubis.

  • Ischial Tuberosity: The bony prominence you sit on; can cause discomfort when sitting on hard surfaces.

  • Obturator Foramen: A large hole in the pelvis through which nerves and blood vessels pass.

  • Greater Sciatic Notch: A notch through which the sciatic nerve passes, related to conditions like sciatica.

  • Ischial Spine: Projection located superior to the ischial tuberosity.

  • Lesser Sciatic Notch: Smaller notch located below the ischial spine.

• The entire structure is referred to as the Coxal Bone, comprising the ilium, ischium, and pubis.

• Exam consideration: Identify the specific bones (ilium, ischium, pubis) and their contributions to the hip joint.

Sexual Dimorphism in Pelvis

• Males typically have a narrower pelvic angle (less than 90 degrees) compared to females (greater than 90 degrees).

• The pelvic shape can be used for sex determination in skeletal remains due to these structural differences.

The Femur

• Femur: The longest bone in the human body, connecting the hip joint to the knee joint.

• Important anatomical features:

  • Femoral Head: Articulates with the acetabulum of the pelvis.

  • Femoral Neck: The constricted area just below the head.

  • Greater Trochanter: A large, lateral projection for muscle attachment, noticeable during leg movements.

  • Lesser Trochanter: A smaller projection on the femur, situated medially.

  • Patellar Surface: The groove where the patella (kneecap) sits.

  • Medial and Lateral Condyles: Articulate with the tibia at the knee.

  • Linea Aspera: A ridge along the back of the femur for muscle attachment.

  • Popliteal Surface: Located at the back of the knee joint.

• Types of fractures in the femur:

  • Acetabular Fracture: Involves the pelvis.

  • Femoral Neck Fracture or Femoral Head Fracture: Involves the femur itself.

  • Distinguishing between types of fractures is crucial for patient management.

The Patella

• Patella: A sesamoid bone located within the quadriceps tendon, acting as a protective shield for the knee joint.

• The patella elevates and lowers with knee movements.

• Notable for its unique shape, which distinguishes it from other bones.

The Tibia and Fibula

• Tibia: Known as the shinbone, is the larger bone of the lower leg.

• Fibula: The thinner bone located next to the tibia.

• Key tibial landmarks:

  • Tibial Tuberosity: An attachment site for the quadriceps tendon, located below the knee.

  • Medial Malleolus: The bony prominence on the inside of the ankle.

  • Lateral Condyle and Medial Condyle: Joint surfaces at the knee.

• Fibula landmarks are simpler, primarily its head and lateral malleolus (the outer ankle bone).

• The fibula is not directly involved in the knee joint, positioned alongside the tibia.