Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology

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Common structures of the Proximal Hindlimb and Pelvis

Ilium

• The ilium makes up the craniodorsal part of the hip bone.
• It extends in a cranio-dorsal direction from the hip joint to the articulation with sacrum.
• It is made from a cranial wing and a caudal body.

Ilial Wing

• The margin of the wing is known as the iliac crest. Along the crest are two very important anatomical landmarks:
  • Tuber Coxae or Coxal Tuberosity forms the palpable point of the hip.
  • Sacral Tuber is the thickened mediodorsal angle of the ilial wing.
• The lateral surface of the wing provides a point of attachment for the gluteal muscles.
• The medial surface has two distinct parts:
  • The lateroventral part provides the point of insertion for many pelvic muscles.
  • The mediodorsal part articulate with the sacrum forming the sacroiliac joint
• The caudodorsal border of the wing is very concave and along its surface exists the greater sciatic notch. This is where the sciatic nerve runs over the ilium.

Ilial Body

• The only anatomical feature of note is the psoas tubercle on the ventral border. This provides attachment for the psoas muscle.

Ossification of the Ilium

• Ischium

The Ischium can be divided into three main sections:

• The body
  • Is part of the acetabulum
  • The dorsal border is continuous with that of the ilium forming the ischiatic spine; this tapers towards the lesser sciatic notch.
• The caudal plate
  • Extends cranially into the symphysial and acetabular branches, which form the caudal borders of the obturator foramen.
  • The caudal section is thickened forming the ischial tuberosity. This is a visible landmark in most animals.
  • The medial caudal borders meet in a concave fashion forming a broad and deep notch called the ischial arch.
• The medial branch
  • This forms the caudal section of the pelvic symphysis

Ossification of the Ischium

Pubis Femur Ossification Centers of the Hindlimb

Joints of the Proximal Hindlimb

• Sacroiliac Joint
• Coxafemoral/Hip Joint

Common Structures of the Distal Hindlimb

• Tibia
• Fibula
• Tarsal bones
• Metatarsals

Joints of the Distal Hindlimb

• Stifle Joint
• Patella
• Tarsal Joint/Hock

Muscles of the Hindlimb

• Girdle Musculature
• Rump Muscles
• Muscles of the Stifle

Vasculature of the Hindlimb

• Arteries of the Hindlimb
• Veins of the Hindlimb
• Lymphatics of the Hindlimb

Species Specifics

• Canine Hindlimb
• Equine Hindlimb
• Bovine Hindlimb