Ilium – iliac crest

Anatomy

The top (superior border) of the ilium, convex front to back (from anterior superior iliac spine to posterior superior iliac spine), sinuous side-to-side (concave in at front, concave out behind).

Clinical

The crest is palpable throughout its length; multiple muscles and fascia attach to its inner lip, intermediate line and outer lip.

Vignette

Standing with “hands on hips” is standing with hands on iliac crests. Top of crest is level of L4, above or below which, lumbar puncture can be safely performed. Crest rich in marrow, site for harvesting stem cells for transplantation.

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