Iliacus

toc =Description= Iliacus is a flat, triangular muscle. It originates from the upper 2/3 of the iliac fossa, as well as from the region of the anterior inferior iliac spine, the internal lip of iliac crest, lateral aspect of sacrum, ventral sacroiliac ligament, and lower portion of iliolumbar ligament. The iliacus muscle fills the whole cavity of the iliac fossa. Its fibres run medially down to be inserted into the lesser trochanter of femur, thus the fibers are often inserted in front of those of the psoas major and extends distally over the lesser trochanter. Iliacus muscle is responsible for hip flexion and lateral rotation of the thigh at the hip. In our daily lives we use the illiacus muscle for walking, running (hip flexion) and kicking a ball with the side of your foot (lateral rotation). The illiacus muscle is supplied by the femoral nerve. Its blood supply comes from the medial femoral circumflex artery and iliac branch of iliolumbar artery.
 * Author: Sesethu Masiza**

=Interactions and relations to other Muscles= The iliacus muscle is forms part of the muscle known as the Iliopsoas muscle. The iliopsoas contains three muscles, namely the iliacus muscle, psoas major and psoas minor. These muscles are referred to as the dorsal hip muscles or inner hip muscles. The iliacus muscle is located laterally and deep to the psoas major muscle, they join together to form the iliopsoas muscle. These muscles are synergist as they work together to move the thigh into flexion. The muscle that antagonizes the iliacus muscle is the gluteal maximus.

=Relevance to Physiotherapy= The iliacus muscle forms part of the iliopsoas muscle, a hip muscle deep in the pelvis. This muscle can be can be irritated by a traumatic event or by overuse from repeated hip flexion (bending). This condition is not well diagnosed and may often be missed, with young persons more likely to present and females somewhat more often. This results to pain and not being able to extend thigh properly. Physiotherapy acute management involves rest, ice and gentle movements to allow the pain and inflammation to settle. Stretching can be gradually introduced, starting with very gently techniques and steadily progressed to return full range of movement, strength and endurance. Gradual return to the low intensity sport related hip flexion should allow the iliopsoas to tire without overstraining.

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