Sacroiliac ligament

Sacroiliac Ligament

The sacroiliac ligament is a key structure in the human body that plays a crucial role in stabilizing the sacroiliac joint. This ligament is part of the pelvic girdle and connects the sacrum to the ilium of the pelvis. The sacroiliac ligament is essential for maintaining the integrity and function of the sacroiliac joint, which is important for weight transfer between the upper body and the lower limbs.

Anatomy

The sacroiliac ligament is divided into several distinct parts:

• Anterior Sacroiliac Ligament: This ligament is located on the front side of the sacroiliac joint and helps to stabilize the joint from the anterior aspect.
• Posterior Sacroiliac Ligament: Found on the back side of the sacroiliac joint, this ligament is stronger and more substantial than the anterior sacroiliac ligament. It provides significant support to the joint.
• Interosseous Sacroiliac Ligament: Situated between the sacrum and the ilium, this ligament is the strongest of the sacroiliac ligaments. It lies deep to the posterior sacroiliac ligament and plays a critical role in maintaining the stability of the sacroiliac joint.

Function

The primary function of the sacroiliac ligament is to stabilize the sacroiliac joint. This joint is responsible for transferring weight and forces between the upper body and the lower limbs. The sacroiliac ligament helps to prevent excessive movement at the sacroiliac joint, which could lead to pain and dysfunction.

Clinical Significance

Injuries or dysfunctions of the sacroiliac ligament can lead to sacroiliac joint dysfunction, which is a common cause of lower back pain. Conditions such as sacroiliitis (inflammation of the sacroiliac joint) can also affect the sacroiliac ligament. Treatment for sacroiliac ligament injuries may include physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgical intervention.

Related Structures

• Sacroiliac joint
• Pelvic girdle
• Sacrum
• Ilium
• Lower back pain
• Sacroiliitis

See Also

• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Pelvic girdle pain
• Ligament
• Joint stability