Sept 16 - Lower Extremity Flashcards
Name the functions of the lower extremity
Responsible for stability (posture) and locomotion
They work concentrically: jumping (hip extension), climbing stairs (hip extension), rising from sitting to standing (hip extension), skating (hip abduction/extension/lateral rotation).
Muscles of the lower limb have an anti-gravity function (they work eccentrically): descending stairs, lowering from a standing to sitting position
Name the 3 regions of the lower extremity and their extremities
Pelvic region (between iliac crest and gluteal fold) Thigh (between hip and knee) Lower leg (region below the knee)
Describe the pelvic girdle
Strong, stable, weight bearing joint
Bones firmly united to form a basin
Structured for bipedal movement (upright walking)
Bone form a complete ring that is virtually immovable
Comprised of three bones that fuse together
Where the upper body meets the lower body
Name the three bones of the pelvic girdle
Ilium
Ischium
Pubis
Describe the ilium
Large fan shaped bone that makes up the proximal portion of the innominate bone (hands on hips)
Protects the lower abdominal contents
Provides a surface area for attachment of large powerful muscles
Absorbs force
Describe the ishium
The bone that makes the posterior and inferior aspect of the innominate bone (what you sit on)
Describe the pubis
Makes up the anterior/inferior aspect of the innominate bone
What is innominate fusion? Why is it important?
The fusion of the three bones of the hips. It is best observed as “Y” shaped markings inside the socket of the hip joint (acetabulum). It’s important because it’s the socket and it’s comprised of sections of all three hip bones
What is the iliac crest?
Where you put your hands on your hips
what is the tuberosity of the ischium?
What you sit on
It’s the most prominent
What is the anterior iliac spine?
It’s where your hands fall off your hips
What is the importance of the obturator foramen?
It allows neurovascular structures to exit into the leg
What is the importance of the acetabulum?
It’s the socket for the ball and socket of the hip joint; it’s designed to move whereas the pelvis is designed to be stable
Name the three hip joints
The right sacroiliac joint
The left sacroiliac joint
The symphisis pubis
Describe the sacroiliac joint
The joint between the auricular surface of the ilium and the auricular surface of the sacrum. It is partly synovial (anterior) and partly fibrous (posterior)
Allows for some flexion/extension
What is the importance of the sacroiliac joint?
Important for walking and in full forward flexion
Name the three ligaments that support the SI joint
Sacroiliac ligaments (anterior/posterior)
Sacrospinous ligaments
Sacrotuberous ligament
What is the importance of the greater sciatic foramen?
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body and it comes out the greater sciatic foramen
Describe the symphysis pubis
It is the point where the two pubic bodies joint anteriorly. It is joined by two very strong ligaments superiorly and inferiorly. It has a dense fibrocartilagenous disc in between which allows minimal movement. It softens and loosens in late pregnancy
Describe the hip joint
Best example of a ball and socket joint. Articulation between the head of the femur and the acetabulum of the innominate bone (about two-thirds of the femoral surface interact. It is one of the most secure joints, yet very mobile joints. It is a synovial multi-axial joint
Describe the acetabulum
It has an incomplete ring on the lateral surface of the innominate bone. It is closed in by the transverse acetabular ligament
Describe the acetabular fossa
Deepest part of the acetabulum. Does not articulate with the femur
Describe the lunate surface
Horseshoe shaped articular (hyaline) cartilage. Articulates with the head of the femur
Describe the importance of the acetabular labrum
Helps with shock absorption. Helps reinforce contact. Creates space for circulation of synovial fluid
What is the difference between a synovial joint and a fibro-cartilage joint?
A synovial joint provides movement, has fluid and a bag. A fibro-cartilage joint does not
Describe the hip capsule
Tight, strong and extensive. It extends from just beyond the outer edge of the acetabulum over femur to attach to level area around intertrochanteric line. It’s reinforced by 3 strong thick ligaments which all resist excessive abduction
Name the three ligaments of the hip capsule
Iliofemoral ligament
Ischiofemoral ligament
Pubofemoral ligament
Name the six hip movements
Hip extension/flexion
Hip abduction/adduction
Internal rotation/external rotation
What muscles are involved in hip extension. When do you use hip extension?
Primarily gluteus maximus, but also hamstrings adductor magnus. Hip extension is used for walking, stairs, skating, running
What muscles are involved in hip flexion. When do you use hip flexion?
Primarily ilio psoas and rectus femoris, but also TFL, pectineus and adductor longus & brevis. Hip flexion is used every time kick, climb stairs, run on spot
What muscles are involved in hip abduction?
Primarily gluteus medius and minimus, but also tensor fascia lata (TFL) and ilio tibial band (ITB)
What muscles are involved in hip adduction?
Pectineus, adductor magnus, gracilis and adductor longus & brevis
What muscles are involved in internal rotation of the hips? When do you use internal rotation?
Gluteus medius and minimus. When you bring your knees together and separate your ankles
What muscles are involved in external rotation of the hips? When do you use external rotation
Gluteus maximus and piriformis. When you cross your legs
Name the four muscles of the gluteal region
Gluteus maximus (most superficial) Gluteus medius (deep to gluteus maximus) Gluteus minimus (deep to gluteus medius) Piriformis (most deep)
Name the five “little brother” muscles that make up the piriformis
Obturator internus Obturator externus Superior gemelli Inferior gemelli Quadratus femoris
Describe the gluteus maximus. What are it’s functions?
Largest muscle of the gluteal region. It is a powerful hip extensor. It is also involved in lateral rotation of the extended hip and a composite motion (push-off in skating)