Anatomy of the pelvic joints--a review

Abstract

In adults, after the os ilium, os ischii and os pubis have joined together by ossification to form the os coxae, there is usually one joint between the hip bones ventrally (the pubic symphysis) and several more complex joints between the hip bones and os sacrum dorsally (sacroiliac, "axial sacroiliac" and accessory sacroiliac joints). These joints carry the weight of the upper part of the body, but they shall also enable pelvic distention during labour. Pathological conditions in these joints are common, and increased knowledge concerning their normal antomy is important for better understanding of these conditions.