Ileum is the largest bone of the pelvic girdle and iliac crest is located on the superior corner (margin) of the ileum. It lies on the upper hip region and it is the place where we rest our hands on the hip. At the anterior side the crest takes the shape of pointed bone which is known as ASIS (anterior superior iliac spine). This curved structure is designed to protect the parts of the pelvic region and is closely attached to the muscles, fascia and aponeurosis present nearby.
The large portion of the iliac crest is found at L4 vertebra and iliac tubercle is found at L5 vertebra. Iliac crest is the region present in the superior edge of the ileum and extends till the superolateral corner of pelvic region. Iliac crest is largely used for bone grafting and spinal fusion. Iliac crest contusion is also known as hip pointer. Top curved region of the pelvis undergo injury and bruise can develop on this bone structure. Since many abdominal muscles are fused in the point of iliac crest any injury on this point would cause severe pain. Hip pointer largely occurs in sports persons when the ball hits the hip region with high impact.
Iliac Crest Pain Causes :
Any forceful blow or direct injury to the iliac crest can cause contusion. Iliac crest contusion occurs due to bleeding of abdominal muscles and swelling. This can cause excruciating pain when the person tries to move his hip region. Bleeding can occur on the periosteum region of the bone resulting in inflammation and the muscles of the iliac crest would develop spasms.
The pain may reduce if the person walks backwards and he should be given rest along with ice compression quickly. If possible the hip region should be covered with foam padding to arrest the movement. Iliac apophysitis is another condition in which the person would develop subtle pain due to chronic irritation. Here the anterior superior iliac spine is largely affected.