Ligaments Flashcards
1
Q
Describe the sacrotuberous ligament.
A
extends from the sacrum and coccyx to the ischial tuberosity
2
Q
Describe the sacrospinous ligament.
A
extends from the sacrum and coccyx to the ischial spine
3
Q
Describe the greater sciatic foramen.
A
- bounded by the greater sciatic notch, sacrotuberous, and sacrospinous ligament
- lies above the pelvic floor
4
Q
What does the greater sciatic foramen transmit?
A
- piriformis muscle: posterior to other structures
- superior and inferior gluteal vessels and nerves: exit above and below the piriformis, respectively
- internal pudendal vessels: wrap around sacrospinous ligament
- pudendal nerve: wraps around sacrospinous ligament
- sciatic nerve: exits below the piriformis
- posterior cutaneous nerve of thigh
- nerve to obturator internus muscle
- nerve to quadratus femoris muscle
5
Q
Describe the lesser sciatic foramen.
A
- bounded by the lesser sciatic notch, sacrotuberous, and sacrospinous ligaments
- lies below the pelvic floor
6
Q
What does the lesser sciatic foramen transmit?
A
- tendon of the obturator internus muscle
- nerve to the obturator internus muscle: to perineum
- internal pudendal vessels: to perineum
- pudendal nerve: to perineum
7
Q
What structures pass through both the greater and lesser sciatic foramina?
A
- pudendal nerve
- internal pudendal vessels
- nerve to the obturator internus
8
Q
What is the chiropractic note concerning the ligaments of the pelvis?
A
- Misalignment of the sacrum may cause impingement on the structures which exit the greater sciatic foramen.
- The sciatic nerve is especially vulnerable.
- Can lead to sciatica (pain, numbness, and weakness in the lateral and posterior thigh and leg).
- Intrapelvic causes of sciatica:
1. Piriformis syndrome: spasm, inflammation, hypertrophy
2. Compression by the fetal head during pregnancy (3rd trimester)
3. Pelvic tumors: ovarian, prostate, colorectal; gets worse over time
