Is the term ‘iliopsoas’ appropriate? Anatomical study with clarification of terminology

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Co-authors:

Erin Brown, B.A. - Tulane University School of Medicine; Samir Anadkat, MBBS - Tulane University School of Medicine; Joe Iwanaga, DDS, PhD - Tulane University School of Medicine; Richard Tubbs, PA-C, PhD - Tulane University School of Medicine

Abstract Body : Introduction: Recently, the term iliopsoas has been questioned based on anatomical study. Therefore, the present study aimed to better elucidate this anatomy in order to verify such findings.

Methods: Forty human adult cadavers (79 sides) underwent dissection of the psoas major and iliacus muscles both in the abdomen and thigh. The relationships between the two muscles and any fusion between them from origin to insertion were documented.

Results: Fusion between the iliacus and psoas major muscles occurred on all sides. The distribution of the tendon fusion was as follows: 35 (44.30%) of the muscle tendons fused proximal to the inguinal ligament, 41 (51.90%) fused beneath the ligament, and only three (3.80%) fused distal to it.

Conclusions: Fusion always occurred between the iliacus and psoas major muscles thereby justifying continued use of the term ‘iliopsoas.’ Therefore, these muscles should be considered as a single functional unit regardless of their attachments onto the femur. This is important when the effects of a nerve block to either muscle or surgery involving either tendon are considered.