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Published on: March 2, 2020
Functional morphology of the iliopsoas notch: limited association with acetabular and coxal dimensions
Eda Duygu Ipek1, Emrehan Sahin Yagmur2
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey. eda.cakir@adu.edu.tr.
Purpose:
The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between iliopsoas notch morphology and acetabular and coxal morphometric parameters in adult hip bones. Specifically, we sought to determine whether iliopsoas notch morphology is associated with overall pelvic dimensions or represents a localized, functionally adapted anatomical structure.
Methods:
A total of 184 adult dry hip bones (108 female, 76 male) were analyzed. Standard acetabular and coxal morphometric parameters were recorded, including acetabular diameters, depth, and pelvic dimensions. Iliopsoas notch width (INW), depth (IND), and morphology (curved, angular, irregular, straight) were assessed. Group comparisons and correlation analysis were performed to evaluate relationships between notch morphology and acetabular and coxal measurements.
Results:
Most acetabular and coxal parameters demonstrated significant sexual dimorphism (p < 0.001), whereas acetabular notch width showed no sex difference (p = 0.85). The curved type was the predominant iliopsoas notch morphology (70.1%). Significant differences among notch types were observed only for transverse acetabular diameter, INW, and IND. Correlation analysis revealed strong internal relationships among acetabular parameters (r > 0.79), but only weak to moderate correlations between notch dimensions and acetabular or coxal measurements (r = 0.185-0.422). A strong correlation was observed between INW and IND (r = 0.75, p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
The iliopsoas notch demonstrates limited association with global acetabular and pelvic dimensions, suggesting greater influence from localized anatomical and biomechanical factors than from overall pelvic scaling. These findings have implications for understanding iliopsoas-related pathologies and optimizing acetabular component positioning in total hip arthroplasty.
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