AN14.1-4 | Features of individual bones (Lower Limb) — Glossary

The hip bone, formed by fusion of the ilium, ischium, and pubis at the acetabulum

The cup-shaped socket on the lateral surface of the hip bone that receives the femoral head to form the hip joint

The curved upper border of the ilium, palpable as the 'hip bone'; used for bone marrow biopsy and as a landmark for lumbar puncture (L4 level)

Anterior superior iliac spine, a palpable landmark and attachment for sartorius and the inguinal ligament

The bony prominence you sit on; origin of the hamstring muscles; site of pressure sores in bedridden patients

A projection dividing greater and lesser sciatic notches; landmark for pudendal nerve block in obstetrics

A landmark for distinguishing femoral hernia (below and lateral) from inguinal hernia (above and medial)

A large oval opening bounded by pubis and ischium, covered by the obturator membrane, transmitting the obturator nerve and vessels

A small pit on the femoral head for the ligamentum teres, which carries the obturator artery to supply the femoral head

The angle between femoral neck and shaft, normally about 126 degrees; reduced in coxa vara, increased in coxa valga

Reduced neck-shaft angle of the femur (less than 120 degrees), causing shortened limb and abductor weakness

A large lateral projection of the femur for attachment of hip abductors (gluteus medius and minimus)

A prominent posterior ridge on the femoral shaft providing attachment for multiple muscles including the adductors and vastus muscles

Death of bone tissue due to interrupted blood supply, most commonly affecting the femoral head after intracapsular neck fractures

An anterior projection on the proximal tibia for patellar ligament attachment; site of Osgood-Schlatter disease in adolescents

The bony prominence on the medial side of the ankle formed by the distal tibia; key landmark for tibial pulse and saphenous vein

The bony prominence on the lateral side of the ankle formed by the distal fibula; extends more distally than the medial malleolus

The heel bone, the largest tarsal bone bearing body weight; site of Achilles tendon insertion and calcaneal spur in plantar fasciitis

The tarsal bone sitting atop the calcaneus that articulates with the tibia and fibula; has no muscle attachments

The epiphysis that appears first is the last to fuse; the fibula violates this rule as the lower end appears first but also fuses first

Traction apophysitis of the tibial tuberosity in adolescents caused by repetitive stress from the patellar ligament during growth

The transverse tarsal joint comprising the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints, used as an amputation level preserving the hindfoot

The tarsometatarsal joint line; injuries here are often missed and lead to midfoot instability

A tough fibrous sheet connecting the tibia and fibula, providing muscle attachment and transmitting forces between the bones