Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Variation in pelvic morphology may prevent the identification of anterior pelvic tilt.

Preece, SJ; Willan, P; Nester, CJ; Graham-Smith, P; Herrington, L; Bowker, P

Authors

SJ Preece

P Willan

CJ Nester

P Graham-Smith

L Herrington

P Bowker



Abstract

Pelvic tilt is often quantified using the angle between the horizontal and a line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS). Although this angle is determined by the balance of muscular and ligamentous forces acting between the pelvis and adjacent segments, it could also be influenced by variations in pelvic morphology. The primary objective of this anatomical study was to establish how such variation may affect the ASIS-PSIS measure of pelvic tilt. In addition, we also investigated how variability in pelvic landmarks may influence measures of innominate rotational asymmetry and measures of pelvic height. Thirty cadaver pelves were used for the study. Each specimen was positioned in a fixed anatomical reference position and the angle between the ASIS and PSIS measured bilaterally. In addition, side-to-side differences in the height of the innominate bone were recorded. The study found a range of values for the ASIS-PSIS of 0-23 degrees, with a mean of 13 and standard deviation of 5 degrees. Asymmetry of pelvic landmarks resulted in side-to-side differences of up to 11 degrees in ASIS-PSIS tilt and 16 millimeters in innominate height. These results suggest that variations in pelvic morphology may significantly influence measures of pelvic tilt and innominate rotational asymmetry.

Citation

Preece, S., Willan, P., Nester, C., Graham-Smith, P., Herrington, L., & Bowker, P. (2008). Variation in pelvic morphology may prevent the identification of anterior pelvic tilt. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, 16, 113--117. https://doi.org/10.1179/106698108790818459

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date 2008
Deposit Date Jul 4, 2023
Journal J Man Manip Ther
Print ISSN 1066-9817
Publisher Maney Publishing
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 16
Pages 113--117
DOI https://doi.org/10.1179/106698108790818459
Keywords Pelvic Bones, Pelvic Tilt, Pelvimetry, Posture
Publisher URL https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19119397

Downloadable Citations