The functional and surgical relevance of the iliocapsularis muscle: an anatomical review

The functional and surgical relevance of the iliocapsularis muscle: an anatomical review

The iliocapsularis muscle covers the anterior aspect of the hip joint capsule. Although its anatomy has been describedthrough cadaveric and radiologic studies, its true function is unknown. The iliocapsularis could be involved in preventinganterior synovial impingement, a possibility supported by electromyography studies. Moreover, hypertrophy of the iliocapsularis caused by hip dysplasia supports the proposal that it stabilizes the anterior aspect of the joint capsule. This review discusses the clinical relevance of the iliocapsularis

___

  • 1. Babst D, Steppacher SD, Ganz R, Siebenrock KA, Tannast M. The iliocapsularis muscle: an important stabilizer in the dysplastic hip. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2011;469:1728–34.
  • 2. Pourcho AM, Sellon JL, Lachman N, Krych AJ, Smith J. Sonographic appearance of the iliocapsularis muscle of the hip. PM R 2015;7:94–6.
  • 3. Lawrenson P, Grimaldi A, Crossley K, Hodges P, Vicenzino B, Semciw AI. Iliocapsularis: technical application of fine-wire electromyography, and direction specific action during maximum voluntary isometric contractions. Gait Posture 2017;54:300–3.
  • 4. Haefeli PC, Steppacher SD, Babst D, Siebenrock KA, Tannast M. An increased iliocapsularis-to-rectus-femoris ratio is suggestive for instability in borderline hips. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2015;473:3725–34.
  • 5. Ward WT, Fleish ID, Ganz R. Anatomy of the iliocapsularis muscle. Relevance to the surgery of the hip. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2000;(374):278–85.
  • 6. Cruveilhier J. Trait d’anatomie descriptive. 2nd ed. Paris: Ancienne Maison Bechet Jeune; 1843. p. 130–1.
  • 7. Kamath AF. Bernese periacetabular osteotomy for hip dysplasia: surgical technique and indications. World J Orthop 2016;7:280–6.
  • 8. Bedi A, Galano G, Walsh C, Kelly BT. Capsular management during hip arthroscopy: from femoroacetabular impingement to instability. Arthroscopy 2011;27:1720–31.