Ligaments of the pelvis (Anterior view) (English)

The anterior longitudinal ligament travels along the entire length of the vertebral column. It extends from the basilar part of the occipital bone to the anterior surface of the sacrum, passing over the lumbosacral joint in doing so. It functions to prevent hyperextension of the vertebral column and reinforces the anterior aspect of the sacrum.Ligaments of the lumbosacral joint limit the range of movement at this junction and include the iliolumbar and lateral lumbosacral ligaments. The former is made up of two bands (superior and inferior) originating from the transverse processes of vertebra L5. The superior band extends over the sacroiliac joint and across the iliac crest to blend with the thoracolumbar fascia, while the inferior band crosses the anterior sacroiliac ligament to insert in the posterior region of the iliac fossa. Continuous with the lower border of the iliolumbar ligament is the lateral lumbosacral ligament which arises from the lower margin of the transverse process of L5 vertebra and passes inferolaterally to attach to the ala of the sacrum.The sacroiliac joint is strengthened by three ligaments, of which only the anterior sacroiliac ligament is seen in this view. It comprises the anteroinferior thickening of the joint capsule and connects the preauricular surface of the ilium to the third sacral segment.On the anterior aspect of the bony pelvis, the pubic symphysis is strengthened by the superior, anterior and inferior pubic ligaments. Two ligaments crossing the pubic bone can equally be seen: the iliopectineal arch, a thickened band of iliopsoas fascia, running from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the iliopectineal eminence of the pubic bone as well as the inguinal ligament extending from the ASIS to the pubic tubercle. Anterior stabilization of the sacrococcygeal joint is achieved by the anterior sacrococcygeal ligament, which is a continuation of the anterior longitudinal ligament.