ANTERIOR SUPERIOR ILIAC SPINE Meaning and
Definition
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The anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) is an anatomical landmark located on the front and upper portion of the ilium, which is one of the three bones that comprise the hip bone or os coxae. The ASIS is located at the front of the pelvis, on each side of the body, and can be palpated just below the waistline, approximately halfway between the navel and the bony prominence on the outside of the hip, known as the greater trochanter.
The ASIS serves as an important reference point for anatomical and clinical purposes. It is commonly used as a point of measurement to guide the placement of various medical devices or to locate specific structures during physical examinations or surgical procedures. Moreover, the ASIS serves as an attachment site for several muscles, including the sartorius, tensor fasciae latae, and the rectus femoris, which is one of the quadriceps muscles.
In clinical contexts, the ASIS can be used to assess the alignment of the pelvis and the lower limb, as well as to determine leg length discrepancies or the presence of certain pathologies. Additionally, the ASIS can be used as a landmark for administering injections into the hip joint or for identifying specific points for therapeutic interventions, such as trigger point releases or nerve blocks.
