Chapter 21: The Thigh, Hip, Groin, and Pelvis

Anatomy of the Thigh

Thight Muscles

• Anterior Thigh

– Rectus Femoris

– Vastus Lateralis

– Vastus Intermedius

– Vastus Medialis

– Sartorius

• Posterior Thigh

– Biceps Femoris

– Semimembranosis

– Semitendinosis

Thight Muscle Cont.

• Medial Thigh

– Pectineus

– Gracilis

– Adductor Longus

– Adductor Brevis

– Adductor Magnus

Hip Muscles

• Anterior Hip

– Iliacus

– Psoas

– Forms the Iliopsoas

• Posterior Hip

– Gluteus Minamus

– Gluteus Medius

– Gluteus Maximus

– 6 Deep External Rotators

– Tensor Fascia Latae

Nerve and Blood Supply

• Tibial and common peroneal are given rise from the sacral plexus which form the largest nerve in the body the sciatic nerve complex

• The main arteries of the thigh are the deep circumflex femoral, deep femoral, and femoral artery

• The two main veins are the superficial great saphenous and the femoral vein

Fascia

• The fascia latae femoris is part of the deep fascia that invests the thigh musculature

• Thick anteriorly, laterally and posteriorly but thin on the medial side

• Iliotibial track (IT-band) is located laterally serving as the attachment for the tensor fascia lata and greater aspect of the gluteus maximum

Functional Anatomy of the Thigh

• Quadriceps insert in a common tendon to the proximal patella

• Rectus femoris is the only quad muscle that crosses the hip

– Extends knee and flexes the hip

• Important to distinguish between hip flexors relative to injury for both treatment and rehab programs

• Hamstrings cross the knee joint posteriorly and all except the short head of the biceps crosses the hip

• Bi-articulate muscles produce forces dependent upon position of both knee and hip joints

• Position of the knee and hip during movement and MOI play important roles and provide information to utilize w/ rehab and prevention of hamstring injuries

Anatomy of the Hip, Groin and Pelvic Region

Functional Anatomy• Pelvis moves in three planes through muscle function

– Anterior tilting changes degree of lumbar lordosis, lateral tilting changes degree of hip abduction

• Hip is a true ball and socket joint w/ intrinsic stability• Hip also moves in all three planes, particularly during

gait (body’s relative center of gravity)• Tremendous forces occur at the hip during varying

degrees of locomotion • Muscles are most commonly injured in this region• Numerous injuries attach in this region and therefore

injury to one can be very disabling and difficult to distinguish