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)
![image](/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/B9780702043116000178_f07-01-9780702043116.jpg)
Fig. 7.1 Hip bone (external aspect).
B–Anterior superior iliac spine
D–Anterior inferior iliac spine
G–Posterior inferior iliac spine
![image](/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/B9780702043116000178_f07-02-9780702043116.jpg)
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.