SI Flashcards
What is the sacroiliac (SI) joint?
The sacroiliac joint is the articulation between the auricular surfaces of the sacrum and ilium. It is a synovial joint with one surface covered by hyaline cartilage and the other by fibrocartilage.
How do the ridges on the articular surfaces and the shape of the sacrum contribute to SI joint stability?
The ridges on the articular surfaces and the ‘keystone’ shape of the sacrum (wide superiorly and narrow distally) enhance stability in the SI joint.
What are some evolutionary adaptations of the pelvis for bipedal movement and lumbopelvic stability?
• Flaring of the ilia into the sagittal plane for more lateral attachment of the gluteus medius (primary pelvic stabilizer).
• Larger attachment site for gluteus maximus (originating from sacrum and sacrotuberous ligament), aiding forward propulsion in gait.
What role do ligaments play in stabilizing the sacroiliac joint?
Thickened ligaments stabilize the sacroiliac joint both anteriorly and posteriorly, especially on the dorsal side of the sacrum.
What is the main function of the posterior sacroiliac ligament?
It acts as the primary posterior stabilizer of the SI joint, attaching the sacrum to the ilium, and is located deep to the sacrotuberous ligament.
What is the attachment and function of the sacrospinous ligament?
The sacrospinous ligament attaches from the ischial spine to the sacrum/coccyx.
Where does the sacrotuberous ligament attach?
It attaches from the ischial tuberosity to the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), sacrum, and coccyx.
What is the function and attachment of the interosseous sacroiliac ligament?
This ligament provides stabilization by attaching the sacrum to the ilium.
What is the iliolumbar ligament and where does it attach?
The iliolumbar ligament attaches from L4-L5 to the iliac crest, providing additional stability.
What is the primary anterior stabilizer of the SI joint?
The anterior sacroiliac ligament, which attaches the sacrum to the ilium.
What joints articulate in the sacroiliac joint?
The auricular surfaces of the sacrum and ilium.
What type of joint is the sacroiliac joint, and what are its surface coverings?
It’s a synovial joint with one surface covered in hyaline cartilage and the other in fibrocartilage.
How do the articular surface ridges and keystone shape of the sacrum contribute to the sacroiliac joint?
They provide stability to the joint, with the sacrum’s wide superior base and narrower distal end enhancing joint stability.
How has human evolution affected the pelvis for bipedal movement?
The ilia flare into the sagittal plane, allowing lateral attachment for gluteus medius and a larger attachment for gluteus maximus, aiding in lumbopelvic stability and forward propulsion.
What role do the sacroiliac ligaments play in joint stability?
Thickened ligaments stabilize the sacroiliac joint anteriorly and posteriorly, especially on the dorsal side of the sacrum.
Name the primary posterior stabilizer of the sacroiliac joint.
The posterior sacroiliac (dorsal) ligament, attaching the sacrum to the ilium.
What is the attachment and function of the sacrospinous ligament?
It attaches the ischial spine to the sacrum/coccyx, contributing to sacroiliac joint stability.
Where does the sacrotuberous ligament attach, and what does it stabilize?
It attaches the ischial tuberosity to the PSIS, sacrum, and coccyx, stabilizing the posterior sacroiliac joint.
Which ligament is the primary anterior stabilizer of the sacroiliac joint?
The anterior sacroiliac (ventral) ligament, connecting the sacrum to the ilium.
What are the attachments for the iliolumbar ligament?
It attaches from L4-L5 to the iliac crest, providing additional support to the lumbopelvic region.
Which nerves provide innervation to the sacroiliac joint?
Branches of the sacral plexus, dorsal rami of S1 and S2, superior gluteal nerve branches, and obturator nerves.
How can irritation of the sacroiliac joint affect nearby nerves?
It can irritate the L4-L5 spinal nerves, potentially causing dermatomal pain referral characteristic of L4-L5.
What are the primary biomechanical functions of the sacroiliac (SI) joint?
The SI joint absorbs and distributes ascending forces from the ground and descending gravitational forces, acting as a stress reliever by absorbing shock and shear from movement involving the spine and both lower extremities.
Why does the SI joint primarily need to be stable?
It serves as a convergence point of high loads with a small range of motion, necessary to absorb shock during gait and to aid in childbirth.
How does lumbar movement influence the sacrum?
The sacrum directly articulates with L5 via the intervertebral disc, so lumbar movement directly impacts the sacrum.
What are the two primary movements of the sacrum relative to the ilia?
Nutation (sacral flexion) and counternutation (sacral extension).
Describe nutation and its significance.
Nutation is sacral base movement anteriorly with the apex moving posteriorly; it’s a closed-packed position for weight-bearing activities, providing posterior stability to the SI joint.