Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine Of The Hip, Lateral View

Description

Anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) appears on the anterolateral ilium, immediately inferior to the anterior superior iliac spine and superior to the acetabular rim in this lateral hip perspective. The bony prominence projects anteriorly from the iliac body, with the outer (gluteal) surface of the ilium curving posteriorly and superiorly away from it. Inferior and slightly posterior to the AIIS, the acetabulum forms a deep concavity for the femoral head, while the iliac crest runs superiorly and posteriorly as a broad ridge. Cortical margins around the spine and adjacent ilium are emphasized as a discrete landmark. Small but unmistakable. Clinically, the AIIS matters because it anchors the direct head of rectus femoris, making it a classic site for traction apophysitis and avulsion fracture in adolescent athletes after forceful hip flexion and knee extension (sprinting, kicking). Orthopaedic and sports medicine readers also look to the AIIS when considering subspine impingement, where a prominent AIIS or heterotopic bone can abut the femoral neck in flexion and mimic femoroacetabular impingement patterns. The fixed lateral viewpoint helps distinguish the AIIS from the ASIS and the acetabular rim, which is useful when correlating plain radiographs, CT-based preoperative planning, or arthroscopic landmarks around the anterior acetabulum. Use this illustration in pelvic osteology modules, lower-limb anatomy labs, and musculoskeletal teaching files that cover rectus femoris injuries, pelvic avulsion fractures, and anterior acetabular surgical corridors. It also fits well in orthopaedic texts describing hip impingement morphology and in exam-prep materials that test surface and bony landmark identification of the ilium. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.