Lower Limb Introduction Pelvis & Buttock

Question 1

Lower limb functions

Answer 1

1) Support the body weight
2) Locomotion

Question 2

4 major entry & exit points between the lower limb & the abdomen, pelvis, & perineum

Answer 2

*The gap between the in inguinal ligament & pelvic bone
*The greater sciatic foramen
*The obturator canal (at top of obturator foramen)
*The lesser sciatic foramen

Question 3

Pelvis divisions

Answer 3

False pelvis (greater pelvis)
- Superior region - considerate part of the abdomen
True pelvis (lesser pelvis)
- Inferior region- sacrum & coccyx

Question 4

Wall of true pelvis consists of

Answer 4

Bones= pelvic bones, sacrum & coccyx
Muscle= Obturator internus, & piriformis muscles
—> inserts on femur
Ligaments= Sacrospinous & Sacrotuberous ligaments
—> create the greater & lesser sciatic foramens

Question 5

Woman’s pelvis

Answer 5

Ala of Sacrum= BROADER & more circular for female
Ischial spines generally DON’T project far medially
Angle formed by the pubic arch= 80-85 degrees

Question 6

Men’s pelvis

Answer 6

Less circular, MORE heart shaped
Angle formed by pubic arch= 50- 60 degrees

Question 7

Superficial Gluteal muscles

Answer 7

• Gluteus Maximus
• Gluteus Medius
• Gluteus Minimus
• Tensor of fascia Lata

Question 8

Deep Gluteal muscles

Answer 8

-Piriformis
-Obturator internus
-Obturator externus
-Gemellus superior
-Gemellus inferior
-Quadratus femoris

Question 9

Gluteus Maximus

Answer 9

ACTION: Extension & External Rotation
INNERVATION: Inferior gluteal nerve (L5-S2)

Question 10

Gluteus Medius

Answer 10

ACTION: Abducts femur @HIP joint
Keeps pelvis level when ipsilateral limb is weight bearing.
Anterior fibers: internal rotation of hip
INNERVATION: Superior gluteal nerve (L4-S1)

Question 11

Gluteus Minimus

Answer 11

ACTION: Abducts femur @Hip joint
Anterior fibers= Internal rotation
Keeps pelvis level when ipsilateral limb is weight bearing
INNERVATION: Superior gluteal nerve (L4-S1)

Question 12

Tensor of the fascia Lata

Answer 12

ACTION: Abducts femur @Hip joint
Anterior fibers= Internal rotation,
Keeps pelvis level when ipsilateral limb is weight bearing
ALSO STABILIZES knee extension
INNERVATION: Superior gluteal nerve (L4-S1)

Question 13

Superior Gluteal nerve injuries

Answer 13

Right superior gluteal nerve injury (right glute medius &minimus inactive) = Left side drop

Question 14

Piriformis

Answer 14

ACTION: Externally rotates thigh, Abducts flexed thigh; steady femoral head in acetabulum
INNERVATION: Spinal nerves L5-S2
*Sciatic nerve passes ANTERIOR to the piriformis

Question 15

Piriformis Syndrome

Answer 15

When piriformis compresses the sciatic nerve
Causes: pain, tingling or numbness in the gluteal area; can extend down length of sciatic
Most common: prolonged sitting & running

Question 16

Obturator internus

Answer 16

ACTION: Externally rotate extended hip & Abducts flexed thigh; steady femoral head in acetabulum
INNERVATION: Spinal nerves from L5 - S2

Question 17

Obturator Externus

Answer 17

ACTION: External rotation of the extended hip: Abduction of flexed hip
INNERVATION: Obturator nerve (L3,L4)

Question 18

Superior & Inferior Gemellus

Answer 18

ACTION: Externally rotate extended thigh & Abducts flexed thigh
INNERVATION: Spinal nerves (L5-S1)
Superior origin= Ischial spine
Inferior origin= Ischial tuberosity

Question 19

Quadratus femoris

Answer 19

ACTION: Externally rotates hip
INNERVATION: Spinal nerve (L5-S1)

Question 20

Blood Supply

Answer 20

Superior gluteal artery (L4-S1)—> passes into the greater sciatic foramen
Inferior gluteal artery (L5-S2) —> comes out of the inferior piriformis // greater sciatic foramen