Pelvis

Question 1

Know the main role of the pelvis in locomotion

Answer 1

Transfer power of the hindlimb to the axial skeleton

Question 2

Three bones that make up the pelvis.

Answer 2

Tuber coxa, Tuber sacrale, Tuber ischii

Question 3

The human directional terms; anterior, posterior, inferior and superior

Answer 3

Anterior = ventral
Posterior = dorsal
Superior = cranial
Inferior = caudal

Question 4

The name of the tuber coxae and the tuber ischium using human terms

Answer 4

Tuber coxae – Anterior Superior Iliac Spine – ASIS

Tuber sacrale – Posterior Superior Iliac Spine – PSIS

Question 5

Muscles that attach at the tuber coxae (3)

Answer 5

1. Superficial gluteal
2. Tensor fascia lata
3. External/internal abdominal oblique

Question 6

Muscles that attach at the tuber ischium (3)

Answer 6

1. Biceps femoris
2. Semimembranosus
3. Semitendinosus

Question 7

4 problems that may cause one TS to appear higher than the other side.

Answer 7

1. Problem with dorsal sacroiliac ligament
2. SI joint dysfunction
3. Fracture of the Ilium
4. Restriction of the Pelvis/Sacrum

Question 8

When the tuber coxa is fractured, the fracture fragment moves in what direction

Answer 8

Cranially and ventrally due to the pull of the external abdominal oblique, superficial gluteal and the TFL

Lowering the TC without lowering of the TS may indicate a fracture of the TC

Question 9

Know the direction of rotation of a PI and an AS ilium

Answer 9

PI – posterior (dorsal) and inferior (caudal) around coxofemoral joint

AS – anterior (ventral) and superior (cranial)

Question 10

Describe the normal pelvic excursion during walk

Answer 10

Up and down, and side to side

Question 11

Know the most common muscle asymmetry of the pelvis and the appearance of normal muscle

Answer 11

Gluteals are atrophied

Hindquarter should be convex

Question 12

6 things an uneven tuber sacrale may indicate

Answer 12

1. Congenital
2. Trauma
3. Pelvic problem
4. SI problem
5. Hip Problem
6. Stifle problem

Question 13

Know normal response to hindlimb flexion and when it is normal for a horse to rotate the LS junction.

Answer 13

Hindlimb flexes – pelvis rotates dorsal, caudal, and medial

Question 14

2 ways to manipulate a PI ilium

Answer 14

1. Bale, across to tuber sacrale, HVLA LOD

2. Straight down on tuber coxae on bale

Question 15

2 ways to manipulate an AS ilium

Answer 15

1. Double pisiform contact with left pisiform on ventral aspect of the tuber coxae
2. On bale, LOD dorsal to ventral, calcaneal contact on dorsal aspect of the tuber ischii, support wrist with other hand

Question 16

Know the signs of a PI ilium in the history and on exam (16)

Answer 16

1. TS higher than the other side
2. Pain at iliac crest, calcanean tendon, semi-M, semi-T, trigger point in middle gluteal
3. Lack of movement with motion palpation
4. Lack of power*****
5. Short stride ipsilateral
6. Hip hike ipsilateral
7. Rope walking from pain or weak gluteals
8. Irregularity in lateral work
9. Difficulty with flying changes
10. Dragging toes
11. Weak tail tone
12. Atrophy of middle gluteal
13. Atrophy lateral to the tuber sacrale
14. Horse will be reluctant to extend the hind leg, bring it under the body for collection or both
15. Horse will be reluctant to abduct the leg
16. Internal rotation of the humerus via the latissimus dorsi muscle

Question 17

Know 4 signs of an AS ilium

Answer 17

1. TS will be lower than the other side. This may be easier to appreciate by also looing at the TC
2. Horse will adduct the limb
3. Lateral hoof wall flare
4. SI joint is restricted
5. PI on the other side potentially

Question 18

Ways to interpret adduction of a hindlimb (3) and abduction of a hindlimb (3).

Answer 18

Adduction – ipsilateral AS ilium, lumbar restriction or hock pain

Abduction – PI ilium, stifle, SI joint