Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2024

Spring 2024 • 35

SIJ Ligaments

Location

Function

Anterior sacroiliac ligament Posterior sacroiliac ligament Interosseous sacroiliac ligament Lateral sacroiliac ligament

Spans the anterior surface of the sacroiliac joint, connecting the sacrum to the ilium Spans the posterior surface of the SIJ, connecting the sacrum to the ilium Deep within the joint, connecting the roughened surfaces of the sacrum and ilium Connects the lateral surface of the sacrum to the ilium Connects the lower sacrum to the ischial tuberosity Connects the lower sacrum, attaching to the ischial spine

Resists excessive separation of the sacrum and ilium

Resists excessive forward tilting of the sacrum on the ilium Provides the most direct and stable connection between the sacrum and ilium Helps reinforce the lateral aspect of the joint and provides stability against excessive lateral movement Helps stabilize the sacrum and provides support to the pelvis Along with the sacrotuberous ligament, provides support to the sacrum and contributes to pelvic stability

Sacrotuberous ligament Sacrospinous ligament

Hip Joint Ligaments Iliofemoral ligament (Y ligament)

The hip joint is comprised of two components, the head of the femur and the acetabulum of the pelvis. The head or ball of the femur fits into the socket provided by the acetabulum. It is important to understand where the hip ligaments are and how they function because the joints are weight-bearing, under high stress and are more susceptible to injury. See Figure 10 . Hip joint range of motion for each movement is also important and is helpful to keep in mind as you are working with your clients with hip pain.

Location

Function

From the anterior inferior iliac spine of the pelvis to the intertrochanteric line of the femur From the ischium to the intertrochanteric line and greater trochanter of the femur From the superior pubic ramus to the intertrochanteric line of the femur The ischium to the intertrochanteric line and greater trochanter of the femur A ring-shaped zone of thickened synovial membrane that encircles the acetabular labrum and contributes to the stability of the hip joint

Helps prevent hyperextension and stabilize the hip joint

Limits excessive extension and helps stabilize the hip joint Resist excessive abduction, extension of the hip joint and helps stabilize the hip joint Limits excessive extension and helps stabilize the hip joint

Ischiofemoral ligament

Pubofemoral ligament

Figure 10

Articular cartilage

Acetabular labrum

Ligamentum teres

Stabilizes the acetabular labrum and helps maintain the integrity of the joint

Fat in acetabular fossa

Zona orbicularis

Ligamentum teres

Joint

Movement

Range of Motion

Hip joint

Flexion

0-120º

Transverse acetabular ligament

Extension Abduction Adduction

0-15º 0-45º 0-20º 0-45º 0-35º

Lateral rotation Medial rotation

Iliofemoral ligament

Femoral head

Sakurra / Shutterstock.com

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