ORTHOPEDIC CAUSES OF PELVIC PAIN

Abstract

This paper presents the problem of pelvic pain in a deliberately simplified form. My purpose is to show that measurements of pelvic mobility are essential to an accurate diagnosis. The fundamental structure of the pelvis consists of bones, muscles and joints. The massive ring formed by the two innominate bones and the sacrum gives origin and insertion to the most powerful muscles in the body; muscles that go far afield for attachment to other bones. The intrapelvic sacroiliac joints and symphysis pubis allow the bony ring to change its shape. The extrapelvic hip joints, sacrolumbar and sacrococcygeal joints allow motion of other bones on the pelvic ring. The ligaments of the pelvic joints are tremendously strong and are elaborately arranged in all planes, so that the slightest change in the position or shape of the pelvic ring alters the total ligamentous tension. Flexion and extension are the normal motions of