Sacrotuberous Ligament

Description

Prominent in the posterior pelvis, the sacrotuberous ligament spans inferolaterally from the dorsal sacrum and coccyx toward the ischial tuberosity, forming a broad, flattened band along the back of the pelvic girdle. Superiorly, the posterior superior iliac spine and adjacent posterior ilium provide bony context for its proximal attachments, while the ligament’s distal fibers converge toward the medial aspect of the ischial tuberosity. Nearby landmarks in this male skeletal view include the lower lumbar vertebrae and sacrum in the midline, the iliac crests laterally, and the proximal femora inferiorly at the hip joints. Orientation is posterior. Clinically, the sacrotuberous ligament is more than a static tether, it contributes to limiting nutation of the sacrum at the sacroiliac joint and helps define the pelvic foramina by cooperating with the sacrospinous ligament (often taught as the conversion of sciatic notches into the greater and lesser sciatic foramina). That relationship matters when explaining deep gluteal pain patterns and pudendal neurovascular entrapment, because structures that exit the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen can re-enter through the lesser sciatic foramen adjacent to these ligaments. For surgeons and proceduralists, the ischial tuberosity and ligamentous margins are also practical palpation and orientation points during posterior pelvic and perineal approaches. Ideal for pelvic anatomy teaching in gross lab, physical therapy modules on sacroiliac mechanics, and figure plates clarifying the boundaries of the greater and lesser sciatic foramina in orthopedic, sports medicine, or pain-management publications. It also supports patient-facing education when discussing posterior pelvic ring stability and referred pain near the ischial tuberosity. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.