7 Pelvic girdle
The pelvic girdle is formed by the 2 hip bones, the sacrum and the coccyx. For notes on the sacrum and coccyx, see Chapter 9.
Hip bone (Figs 7.1 and 7.2)
Fig. 7.1 Hip bone (external aspect).
B–Anterior superior iliac spine
D–Anterior inferior iliac spine
G–Posterior inferior iliac spine
Fig. 7.2 Hip bone (internal aspect).
J–Posterior superior iliac spine
L–Posterior inferior iliac spine
P–Anterior superior iliac spine
Ilium (Figs 7.1 and 7.2)
Main parts
Posterior inferior iliac spine –
lies approximately 2.5 cm below the posterior superior iliac spine.
Posterior border –
curved border from the posterior superior iliac spine to the posterior border of the ischium.
Greater sciatic notch –
lies below the posterior inferior iliac spine. The sciatic nerve leaves the pelvis via the notch.
Sacropelvic surface –
situated between the medial and posterior borders, and divided into 3 areas:
Iliac tuberosity – upper part, roughened for ligament attachment.
Auricular surface – middle part, for articulation with the sacrum.
Pelvic surface – lower part, forms part of the wall of the true pelvis.