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The ischium (Latin: os ischii) is a paired bone of the pelvis that forms the lower and back part of the hip bone, as well as the posterior and inferior boundary of the obturator foramen.
The ramus of the ischium is the part of the bone that extends downwards from the body, then turns anteriorly and unites with the inferior ramus of the pubic bone. The ramus of the ischium presents the following landmarks:
Ischial tuberosity - a bony process on the ramus of the ischium at the lower end of the lesser sciatic notch.
Ischial spine - a bony prominence found on the ramus of the ischium between the greater and lesser sciatic notches.
Lesser sciatic notch - a notch on the ramus between the ischial spine and the ischial tuberosity.
Greater sciatic notch - a larger notch located between the posterior inferior iliac spine and the ischial spine[1].
Ischial Tuberosity
The ischial tuberosity (sit bone) is divided transversely into upper and lower areas, upper subdivided by an oblique bony ridge separating the various muscle attachments.
Image 3: lateral view of Ischial Tuberosity
Three tendons connect the hamstring to the ischial tuberosity.
The gluteus maximus muscle covers the ischial tuberosity when your leg is straight and your thigh is extended. When your knee is bent and your thigh is flexed, the gluteus maximus moves and leaves the ischial tuberosity uncovered, exposing the ischial tuberosity when you sit down.[2]
Prolonged pressure on the ischial tuberosity can lead to Ischial Bursitis
sacrotuberous ligament attaches to the posterior iliac spine and medial ischial tuberosity and part of it extends as the falciform ligament along the inferior ramus of ischium
ischiofemoral ligament which forms the capsular reinforcement of hip joint[3].
Associated Conditions
Include:
The ischium is associated with hip osteoarthritis, a common ailment characterized by erosion of necessary cartilage and wear and tear of the hip joint.
Fracture or injury to the pelvis, including the ischium, can vary greatly in severity, with surgery sometimes being necessary to correct the problem.[1]
