Iliopsoas bursa !
The iliopsoas bursa is a fluid sac between the main hip flexor tendon and the front of the hip joint; it sometimes opens into the joint.
Official name: Iliopectineal bursa
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What it is
The iliopsoas (iliopectineal) bursa: the largest bursa around the hip, between the iliopsoas tendon and the front of the hip joint. It sometimes connects with the joint.
What it does
Lets the iliopsoas tendon glide over the front of the pelvis and hip.
Key facts
- Where
- Between iliopsoas tendon and anterior hip capsule, near iliopubic eminence
- Function
- Largest bursa around hip; reduces tendon friction; sometimes communicates with hip joint
Relations
- In front
- Iliopsoas tendon; in front of it the femoral nerve laterally and the femoral artery and vein medially
- Behind
- Anterior hip capsule between the iliofemoral and pubofemoral ligaments, and the iliopubic eminence
- Above
- Pelvic brim and inguinal ligament; an enlarged bursa can extend up into the pelvis along the iliopsoas
How to find it
It lies deep in the groin, just below the middle of the inguinal ligament, behind the femoral vessels. It cannot be felt unless distended, when a soft groin swelling appears.
Examination
- Moving the hip from flexion, abduction and external rotation into extension reproduces a clunk at the front of the hip in internal snapping hip
On imaging
Ultrasound shows fluid in the bursa, the tendon gliding over the pelvis on dynamic scanning and any neck connecting it to the hip joint. MRI shows a fluid-filled sac along the iliopsoas; on arthrography it fills from the joint when the two connect.
Common problems
- Iliopsoas bursitis: pain at the front of the hip or groin. It can fill with fluid in hip arthritis.
Clinical notes
- Hip osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and wear debris after hip replacement can enlarge it through the joint connection
- Compression of the femoral vein by an enlarged bursa can cause leg swelling that mimics deep vein thrombosis
- After hip replacement, iliopsoas irritation against the front of the acetabular cup is a recognised cause of groin pain
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Where does the iliopsoas bursa lie, and how can it connect with the hip joint?
Between the iliopsoas tendon and the anterior hip capsule; it opens into the joint in a minority of adults through a gap between the iliofemoral and pubofemoral ligaments.
What can a distended iliopsoas bursa be mistaken for?
A groin mass such as a hernia, an aneurysm or enlarged lymph nodes; it can also compress the femoral vein or femoral nerve.
What causes internal snapping hip at the iliopsoas bursa?
The iliopsoas tendon flicking over the iliopubic eminence or the femoral head, irritating the bursa.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- bursa iliopectinea; bursa subtendinea iliaca TA2 2732
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Bolsa iliopectínea DeCS D002061
- English (TA2)
- Iliopectineal bursa
- Also called
- subtendinous bursa of iliopsoas
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); DeCS; Anatomy, Skin Bursa; Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Hip.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
