PELVIC GIRDLE

PELVIC GIRDLE

📌The pelvic girdle is a bony structure that connects the spine to the lower limbs.

📌 It plays a crucial role in weight bearing, movement, and protecting internal organs.

Bones of the Pelvic Girdle

The pelvic girdle consists of two hip bones (coxal bones), which are made up of three fused bones on each side:

📌Ilium – the broad, flaring portion; forms the upper part of the pelvis.

📌Ischium – the lower, posterior portion; the part you sit on.

📌Pubis – the anterior part of the hip bone; meets its counterpart at the pubic symphysis

📌Together, these form the acetabulum, the socket that holds the head of the femur.

Joints of the Pelvic Girdles

📌Sacroiliac joints – between the sacrum and ilium; support body weight.

📌Pubic symphysis – a cartilaginous joint connecting the two pubic bones.

📌Hip joint – ball-and-socket joint between the femur and acetabulum.

Pelvic Brim and Pelvic Cavity

📌The pelvic brim divides the pelvis into:

📌Greater (false) pelvis – above the brim, supports abdominal organs.

📌Lesser (true) pelvis – below the brim, contains pelvic organs.

FUNCTIONS

📌Supports weight of upper body

📌Transfers weight to lower limbs.

📌Provides attachment for muscles.

📌Protects pelvic organs (bladder, reproductive organs, rectum)

• ARTERAL SUPPLY:

📌Common Iliac Artery

📌Internal Iliac Artery

📌External Iliac Artery

📌Branches of the Internal Iliac Artery

• VENOUS DRAINAGE:

📌Internal Iliac Vein

📌External Iliac Vein

📌Common Iliac Vein 

NERVE  SUPPLY 

📌The nerves of the pelvis and lower limbs originate from sympathetic, parasympathetic, and somatic nerves

📌 The sympathetic component comes from roots T12 through L2 and the parasympathetic from roots S2 through S4. 

📌The sympathetic component reaches the pelvis through the superior hypogastric plexus

MUSCLE ATTACHMENTS

Ilium:

📌Iliacus

📌Gluteus Minimus and Medius:

📌Piriformis:

📌Transversospinalis muscles (Erector Spinae)

Ischium:

📌Adductor Magnus:

📌Obturator Internus:

📌Coccygeus

Pubis:

📌Rectus Abdominis:

📌Adductor Muscles (Adductor Longus, Brevis, and Magnus)

📌Pectineus

📌Pubococcygeus, Puborectalis, and Iliococcygeus

📌Obturator Externus

INJURIES OF PELVIC GIRDLES 

📌Pelvic Fractures:

A break in one or more of the bones that make up the pelvis (ilium, ischium, pubis, and sacrum). 

📌High-Impact Trauma:

Motor vehicle accidents, falls from significant heights, and other high-energy events are common causes. 

📌Low-Energy Trauma:

In older individuals with osteoporosis, even minor falls or impacts can lead to pelvic fractures. 

📌Anterior-to-Posterior Compression (APC) Injuries:

A type of pelvic ring injury where the pelvis is compressed from front to back, potentially causing ligament damage and fractures. 

📌Lateral Compression Injuries:

Occur when the pelvis is impacted from the side, often seen in motor vehicle collisions. 

📌Vertical Pelvis Injuries:

Result from falls or injuries involving an axial load, potentially causing fractures of the sacrum or other pelvic bones. 

📌Pelvic Ring Injuries:

Injuries that involve the entire pelvic ring, which can lead to instability and complications. 

📌Open Book Pelvic Injury:

A specific type of pelvic ring injury resulting from anteroposterior compression, characterized by widening of the pelvic ring