Quadratus Lumborum: Difference between revisions

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== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
[[File:Quadratuslumborum.png|thumb|309x309px|anatomy of Quadratus Lumborum]]
[[File:Quadratus lumborum - Kenhub.png|alt=Quadratus lumborum (highlighted in green) - anterior view|right|frameless|500x500px|Quadratus lumborum (highlighted in green) - anterior view]]
The Quadratus Lumborum (QL) is the deepest [[Back Muscles|back muscle]] and originates from the [[Ilium|iliac crest]] and inserts on the transverse process of [[Lumbar Vertebrae|lumbar]] one through five and the lower part of the twelfth [[Ribs|rib.]] The QL muscle is flattened and has a quadrangular shape.  
The Quadratus Lumborum (QL) is the deepest [[Back Muscles|back muscle]] and originates from the [[Ilium|iliac crest]] and inserts on the transverse process of [[Lumbar Vertebrae|lumbar]] one through five and the lower part of the twelfth [[Ribs|rib.]] The QL muscle is flattened and has a quadrangular shape.  


The QL muscle is an integral part of the [[Thoracolumbar Fascia|thoracolumbar]] fascia, a myofascial system that covers the posterior area of the human body, involving part of the lower and upper limbs.
The QL muscle is an integral part of the [[Thoracolumbar Fascia|thoracolumbar]] fascia, a [[Myofascial Pain|myofascial]] system that covers the posterior area of the human body, involving part of the lower and upper limbs.


Innervation of the QL is via the twelfth [[Thoracic Spinal Nerves|thoracic nerve]] and the spinal rami of the lumbar [[Spinal Nerves|spinal nerves]].
Innervation of the QL is via the twelfth [[Thoracic Spinal Nerves|thoracic nerve]] and the spinal rami of the lumbar [[Spinal Nerves|spinal nerves]].


Along with the [[Multifidus Muscle|multifidus]] and [[Erector Spinae|erector spinae]] muscles, the QL helps to create an antagonist force to the [[Abdominal Muscles|muscles of the anterolateral abdomen wall.]]<ref>Bordoni B, Varacallo M. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535407/ Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Quadratus Lumborum].2018 Availkable: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535407/<nowiki/>(accessed 13.2.2022)</ref>
Along with the [[Lumbar Multifidus|multifidus]] and [[Erector Spinae|erector spinae]] muscles, the QL helps to create an antagonist force to the [[Abdominal Muscles|muscles of the anterolateral abdomen wall.]]<ref name=":1">Bordoni B, Varacallo M. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535407/ Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Quadratus Lumborum].2018 Availkable: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535407/<nowiki/>(accessed 13.2.2022)</ref>
 
Image: Quadratus lumborum (highlighted in green) - anterior view<ref >Quadratus lumborum (highlighted in green) - anterior view image - © Kenhub https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/quadratus-lumborum-muscle</ref>
 
== Anatomy  ==
== Anatomy  ==
== Origin ==
[[File:Muscles of the Abdomen Posterior.png|thumb|437x437px|Muscles of the Abdomen Posterior]]
[[File:Quadratus-lumborum-muscle-fibers.jpg|thumb|326x326px]][[Iliolumbar ligament]] and internal lip of Posterior iliac Crest.<ref name="anatomy expert">Anatomy expert. 3D - Quadratus lumborum. Available from: http://www.anatomyexpert.com/app/structure/5307/ (accessed from 19 April 2019)</ref><ref name=":0">Keith L. , Anne M. R . Clinically Oriented Anatomy 7th edition. philidephia : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.2017</ref>  
The muscular organization is complex (comprises three layers with muscle fibers that have different vectors) and it is difficult to identify precisely the actions that occur through the contraction of fibers.
 
Generally, the QL muscle is located medially to the [[aponeurosis]] of the [[Transversus Abdominis|transverse abdominal muscle]].
 
The quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle is:
 
* An integral part of the thoracolumbar fascia and also
* One of the muscles of the posterior [[Abdominal Muscle Anatomy|abdominal wall]].
* One of the [[Core Muscles]]<ref name=":1" />
* One of the [[Paraspinal Muscles|paraspinal muscles]]
 
=== Origin ===
[[Iliolumbar ligament]] and internal lip of Posterior iliac Crest.<ref name="anatomy expert">Anatomy expert. 3D - Quadratus lumborum. Available from: http://www.anatomyexpert.com/app/structure/5307/ (accessed from 19 April 2019)</ref><ref name=":0">Keith L. , Anne M. R . Clinically Oriented Anatomy 7th edition. philidephia : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.2017</ref>


=== Insertion ===
=== Insertion ===
Medial half of lower border of 12th rib and tips of  transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae.<ref name="anatomy expert" /><ref name=":0" />


Medial half of lower border of 12th rib and tips of  transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae.<ref name="anatomy expert" /><ref name=":0" />
=== Nerve Supply ===
=== Nerve Supply ===
* Subcostal nerve (T12)<ref name="anatomy expert" />  
* Subcostal nerve (T12)<ref name="anatomy expert" />  
* Iliohypogastric and&nbsp;Ilioinguinal nerve (both from L1)<ref name="anatomy expert" />  
* Iliohypogastric and&nbsp;Ilioinguinal nerve (both from L1)<ref name="anatomy expert" />  
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== Function  ==
== Function  ==
The anatomy texts describe the quadratus lumborum muscle as an extensor of the lumbar spine, a stabilizer of the lumbar area, capable of tilting laterally and capable of acting as an inspiratory accessory muscle.  
[[File:LumbarTriangle.jpeg|thumb|630x630px|Quadratus lumborum visible]]
The anatomy texts describe the quadratus lumborum muscle as an extensor of the lumbar spine, a [[Lumbar Instability|stabilizer of the lumbar]] area, capable of [[Pelvic Tilt|pelvic tilting]] laterally and capable of acting as an [[Muscles of Respiration|inspiratory accessory muscle]].  


However findings show
However findings show
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It seems likely that QL could act as a crossroad of the forces exerted by the neighboring muscles, influencing the vectors of the different tensions produced, thanks to its :strategic position; disorganised scheme of its fibers; and its function in the myofascial system.
It seems likely that QL could act as a crossroad of the forces exerted by the neighboring muscles, influencing the vectors of the different tensions produced, thanks to its :strategic position; disorganised scheme of its fibers; and its function in the myofascial system.
Classic actions given below.


=== Actions  ===
=== Actions  ===
Classic described actions given below:
* Quadratus Lumborum fixes the 12th rib to stabilize diaphragm attachments during inspiration<ref name="radiopaedia">Radiopaedia. Quadratus lumborum. Available from: http://radiopaedia.org/articles/quadratus-lumborum (accessed 15 August 2015)</ref>
* Quadratus Lumborum fixes the 12th rib to stabilize diaphragm attachments during inspiration<ref name="radiopaedia">Radiopaedia. Quadratus lumborum. Available from: http://radiopaedia.org/articles/quadratus-lumborum (accessed 15 August 2015)</ref>
* Lateral flexes the vertebral column<ref name="radiopaedia" />  
* Lateral flexes the vertebral column<ref name="radiopaedia" />  
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* It forms with the contralateral [[Tensor Fascia Lata|Tensor fascia lata]] and [[Gluteus Medius|Gluteus medius]] a lateral myofascial sling which aims to maintain frontal plane stability of the pelvis.<ref>Morgan J.  Modern Principles of Core Training. Lulu.com, 2010</ref><ref>McCall P. Cutting Edge: Training the Fascial Network (Part 2). Sign.;888:825-3636.</ref><ref>Wallden, M. (2014). ''The middle crossed syndrome – New insights into core function. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 18(4), 616–620.'' doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2014.09.002 </ref>
* It forms with the contralateral [[Tensor Fascia Lata|Tensor fascia lata]] and [[Gluteus Medius|Gluteus medius]] a lateral myofascial sling which aims to maintain frontal plane stability of the pelvis.<ref>Morgan J.  Modern Principles of Core Training. Lulu.com, 2010</ref><ref>McCall P. Cutting Edge: Training the Fascial Network (Part 2). Sign.;888:825-3636.</ref><ref>Wallden, M. (2014). ''The middle crossed syndrome – New insights into core function. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 18(4), 616–620.'' doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2014.09.002 </ref>


=== Physiotherapy Implications ===
== Physiotherapy Implications ==
[[File:Quadratus Lumborum (1).jpg|thumb|Quadratus lumborum trigger points]]
[[File:Quadratus Lumborum (1).jpg|thumb|Quadratus lumborum trigger points]]
The muscle group is considered a postural muscle group. QL is also part of the [[Core Muscles|Core muscle]]. The core is the group of trunk and [[hip]] muscles that surround the spine, abdominal viscera and hip. Core muscles are essential for proper load balance within the spine, pelvis, and kinetic chain. They spare the spine from excessive load and are essential for lad transfer between the upper and lower body.
The muscle group is considered a postural muscle group and part of the [[Core Muscles|Core muscles]]. The core is the group of trunk and [[hip]] muscles that surround the spine, abdominal viscera and hip. Core muscles are essential for proper [[Load Management|load]] balance within the spine, pelvis, and [[Kinetic Chain|kinetic chain]]. They spare the spine from excessive load and are essential for lad transfer between the upper and lower body.
 
Quadratus lumborum is a continuation of transverse abdominal muscle. The transverse abdominal muscle is part of the anterior fascial system of the body. The transversalis fascia penetrates the abdominal musculature. It's one of the muscles that tends to be tight and overactive<ref>Page .P, Frank C, Lardner R. Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance: The Janda Approach .Champaign . Human Kinetics. 2010.</ref> In this situation it negatively influence the resting tension of the QL, altering the distribution of the lumbar area loads.


QL can cause low back pain with the emergence of a heterotopic ossification or myositis ossificans. The latter may result from direct trauma and inadequate healing.
Quadratus lumborum is a continuation of transverse abdominal muscle. The transverse abdominal muscle is part of the anterior fascial system of the body. The transversalis fascia penetrates the abdominal musculature. It's one of the muscles that tends to be tight and overactive<ref>Page .P, Frank C, Lardner R. Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance: The Janda Approach .Champaign . Human Kinetics. 2010.</ref> In this situation adversly affects the resting tension of the QL, altering the distribution of the lumbar region load.[[File:Quadratus_lumborum_trigger_points_referred_pain-1024x768.jpg|alt=|right|400x400px|QL trigger points referred pain]]
 
It is difficult for a single muscle to cause pain, except with direct trauma. All the muscles interconnect as a function of the fascial system, and in a contractile area with altered function, it will lead to functional difficulty in all the surrounding muscular regions.
[[File:Quadratus_lumborum_trigger_points_referred_pain-1024x768.jpg|alt=|right|400x400px|QL trigger points referred pain]]
Trigger points can involve the QL. This condition could also mimic a painful syndrome of the lumbar area. Trigger Point Referral Pattern  
Trigger points can involve the QL. This condition could also mimic a painful syndrome of the lumbar area. Trigger Point Referral Pattern  


Effects of tight/overloaded QL: Pain, pelvic lateral tilt limiting reaching and restricting breathing, if the QL is tight on both sides, lumbar lordosis increasing compression on spine.  
For more see [[Quadratus Lumborum Syndrome]]  


For more see [[Quadratus Lumborum Syndrome]]
Lumbar spine pathologies eg bulging discs, and facet joint hypertrophy from chronic inflammation may effect nerve conduction and response to the QL and Iliopsoas resulting in poor muscle stabilisation and mechanical stress from chronic contracture.<ref name="reller">Acupuncture Integrated. Low Back and Lower Body Myofascial Pain Syndromes. Available from: http://www.acupunctureintegrated.com/articles/low-back-and-lower-body-myofascial-pain-syndromes
 
Dysfunction of the lumbar structures whether degenerative, neuropathy, and/or inflammatory, may contribute to poor muscle firing and weak stabilization by the QL.<ref name="reller">Acupuncture Integrated. Low Back and Lower Body Myofascial Pain Syndromes. Available from: http://www.acupunctureintegrated.com/articles/low-back-and-lower-body-myofascial-pain-syndromes


[accessed 19 April 2019].
[accessed 19 April 2019].
</ref>  
</ref><br>QL can cause low back pain with the emergence of a heterotopic ossification or myositis ossificans. The latter may result from direct trauma and inadequate healing.
 
Lumbar spine pathologies like bulging discs, and facet joint hypertrophy from chronic inflammation may effect nerve conduction and response to the QL and Iliopsoas resulting in poor muscle stabilisation and mechanical stress from chronic contracture.<ref name="reller" />  
 
Moaratty-Koehler Syndrome (MKS) is another condition related to QL dysfunction.<br>
== References  ==
== References  ==



Latest revision as of 10:17, 14 July 2023

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Quadratus lumborum (highlighted in green) - anterior view

The Quadratus Lumborum (QL) is the deepest back muscle and originates from the iliac crest and inserts on the transverse process of lumbar one through five and the lower part of the twelfth rib. The QL muscle is flattened and has a quadrangular shape.

The QL muscle is an integral part of the thoracolumbar fascia, a myofascial system that covers the posterior area of the human body, involving part of the lower and upper limbs.

Innervation of the QL is via the twelfth thoracic nerve and the spinal rami of the lumbar spinal nerves.

Along with the multifidus and erector spinae muscles, the QL helps to create an antagonist force to the muscles of the anterolateral abdomen wall.[1]

Image: Quadratus lumborum (highlighted in green) - anterior view[2]

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

Muscles of the Abdomen Posterior

The muscular organization is complex (comprises three layers with muscle fibers that have different vectors) and it is difficult to identify precisely the actions that occur through the contraction of fibers.

Generally, the QL muscle is located medially to the aponeurosis of the transverse abdominal muscle.

The quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle is:

Origin[edit | edit source]

Iliolumbar ligament and internal lip of Posterior iliac Crest.[3][4]

Insertion[edit | edit source]

Medial half of lower border of 12th rib and tips of transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae.[3][4]

Nerve Supply[edit | edit source]

  • Subcostal nerve (T12)[3]
  • Iliohypogastric and Ilioinguinal nerve (both from L1)[3]
  • Branches from the ventral rami (L2 and L3)[3]

Function[edit | edit source]

Quadratus lumborum visible

The anatomy texts describe the quadratus lumborum muscle as an extensor of the lumbar spine, a stabilizer of the lumbar area, capable of pelvic tilting laterally and capable of acting as an inspiratory accessory muscle.

However findings show

  • During extension, the QL exerts a force of 10 N, compared to 100 N and 150 N of the erector spinae muscles and the multifidus. It seems unlikely that it can extend the lumbar area on a sagittal plane with such a small force (10 N).
  • The QL during a lateral tilt of the trunk it participates with less than 10% of the force required for a coronal inclination.

It seems likely that QL could act as a crossroad of the forces exerted by the neighboring muscles, influencing the vectors of the different tensions produced, thanks to its :strategic position; disorganised scheme of its fibers; and its function in the myofascial system.

Actions[edit | edit source]

Classic described actions given below:

  • Quadratus Lumborum fixes the 12th rib to stabilize diaphragm attachments during inspiration[5]
  • Lateral flexes the vertebral column[5]
  • Extends lumbar vertebrae[5]
  • It forms with the contralateral Tensor fascia lata and Gluteus medius a lateral myofascial sling which aims to maintain frontal plane stability of the pelvis.[6][7][8]

Physiotherapy Implications[edit | edit source]

Quadratus lumborum trigger points

The muscle group is considered a postural muscle group and part of the Core muscles. The core is the group of trunk and hip muscles that surround the spine, abdominal viscera and hip. Core muscles are essential for proper load balance within the spine, pelvis, and kinetic chain. They spare the spine from excessive load and are essential for lad transfer between the upper and lower body.

Quadratus lumborum is a continuation of transverse abdominal muscle. The transverse abdominal muscle is part of the anterior fascial system of the body. The transversalis fascia penetrates the abdominal musculature. It's one of the muscles that tends to be tight and overactive[9] In this situation adversly affects the resting tension of the QL, altering the distribution of the lumbar region load.

Trigger points can involve the QL. This condition could also mimic a painful syndrome of the lumbar area. Trigger Point Referral Pattern

For more see Quadratus Lumborum Syndrome

Lumbar spine pathologies eg bulging discs, and facet joint hypertrophy from chronic inflammation may effect nerve conduction and response to the QL and Iliopsoas resulting in poor muscle stabilisation and mechanical stress from chronic contracture.[10]
QL can cause low back pain with the emergence of a heterotopic ossification or myositis ossificans. The latter may result from direct trauma and inadequate healing.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Bordoni B, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Quadratus Lumborum.2018 Availkable: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535407/(accessed 13.2.2022)
  2. Quadratus lumborum (highlighted in green) - anterior view image - © Kenhub https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/quadratus-lumborum-muscle
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Anatomy expert. 3D - Quadratus lumborum. Available from: http://www.anatomyexpert.com/app/structure/5307/ (accessed from 19 April 2019)
  4. 4.0 4.1 Keith L. , Anne M. R . Clinically Oriented Anatomy 7th edition. philidephia : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.2017
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 Radiopaedia. Quadratus lumborum. Available from: http://radiopaedia.org/articles/quadratus-lumborum (accessed 15 August 2015)
  6. Morgan J.  Modern Principles of Core Training. Lulu.com, 2010
  7. McCall P. Cutting Edge: Training the Fascial Network (Part 2). Sign.;888:825-3636.
  8. Wallden, M. (2014). The middle crossed syndrome – New insights into core function. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 18(4), 616–620. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2014.09.002 
  9. Page .P, Frank C, Lardner R. Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance: The Janda Approach .Champaign . Human Kinetics. 2010.
  10. Acupuncture Integrated. Low Back and Lower Body Myofascial Pain Syndromes. Available from: http://www.acupunctureintegrated.com/articles/low-back-and-lower-body-myofascial-pain-syndromes [accessed 19 April 2019].