Pelvic Side Wall Muscles: Anatomy, Function, And Clinical Significance In Orthopedics
The pelvic side wall, formed by muscles and fascia, supports pelvic organs, maintains stability, and facilitates lower body movements. Key muscles include piriformis, obturator internus/externus, gemellus superior/inferior, and quadratus femoris. These muscles are innervated by superior/inferior gluteal and internal pudendal nerves and receive blood supply from internal iliac, obturator, and inferior gluteal arteries. The pelvic side wall fascia lines the muscles, and the pelvic diaphragm separates the pelvic and abdominal cavities. Understanding these muscles is critical for assessing and treating orthopedic conditions involving the hip and pelvis.