The Pelvic Girdle and Hip Joint 171minimus, tensor fasciae latae, and some additional muscles
may assist with greater resistance or in specific positions
of the joint. The gluteus medius is also a prime mover for
hip internal rotation.
The gluteus minimus (G. gloutos, buttock + L. minimus,
smallest), as its name implies, is a smaller muscle; it is
located deeply, underneath the gluteus medius, in a slightly
anterior and inferior position as seen in figure 4.10B. In
addition to their role in hip abduction, the anterior fibers
of these muscles are key for hip internal rotation, and the
posterior fibers assist with extension, at least under some
conditions. Their potential contribution to hip flexion or
external rotation is still under debate.
Palpation: While standing on one leg, lift the other leg to
the side in a parallel position (hip abduction). The gluteus
medius can be palpated laterally, below the crest of the
ilium and about 2 to 3 inches (5-7.6 centimeters) above the
greater trochanter. Since the gluteus minimus lies beneath
the gluteus medius, it is difficult to palpate it distinctly from
the gluteus medius.Tensor Fasciae Latae
The tensor fasciae latae (tensor, to make tense + fascia,
band + lata, wide) is a small muscle located at the front
and side of the hip as seen in figure 4.6 on page 166. This
muscle is distinct in having no bony distal attachment; rather
it inserts into the iliotibial band approximately one-fourth of
the way down the outside of the thigh. Its name is derived
from the fact that its action is to tighten this fascia, thereby
providing important lateral support for the knee joint. At the
hip joint, in addition to its role in hip abduction, it assists
with hip flexion and hip internal rotation (the latter at least
when the hip is flexed).
Palpation: Standing on one leg, raise the other leg to the side while maintaining 45° of hip flexion. The
tensor fasciae latae can be palpated about 2 inches (5 centimeters) anterior to the greater trochanter.FIGURE 4.10 The gluteus medius and mini-
mus (right hip, posterior view). (A) With gluteus
maximus removed, (B) deeper view with gluteus
medius removed.Attachments and Primary Actions of Tensor Fasciae Latae
Muscle Proximal attachment(s) Distal attachment(s) Primary action(s)
Tensor fasciae latae
(TEN-sor FA-she-eh LAT-te)Anterior outer crest of ilium,
lateral aspect of anterior
superior iliac spineTibia via iliotibial band Hip abduction
Hip flexion
Hip internal rotationMedial Muscles of the Hip (Inner Thigh Muscles)
The medial muscles of the hip include the adductor brevis, adductor longus, adductor magnus, pectineus,
and gracilis. These medial muscles are sometimes called the “inner thigh muscles” by dance teachers.
Since all of these muscles cross medial to the axis of the hip joint, they all share the common action
of hip adduction used in movements such as bringing the leg close to the center of gravity of the body
in walking or closing into fifth position in ballet. Posturally, when standing on one leg the hip adductors
commonly co-contract with the hip abductors to aid with pelvic stability. The muscle mass of these inner