Posterior Superior Iliac Spine Of The Hip Bone, Posterior View

Description

Posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) anchors the posterior end of the iliac crest in this posterior view of the hip bone (ilium). The PSIS sits superior to the posterior inferior iliac spine and lateral to the sacral articular surface that participates in the sacroiliac joint, creating the palpable “dimple” region over the posterior pelvis. Along the superior margin, the iliac crest sweeps laterally from the PSIS toward the iliac tubercle, while the posterior border of the ilium descends toward the greater sciatic notch. Bony topography is the point. Clinically, the PSIS functions as a surface landmark for pelvic asymmetry assessment and for orienting procedures around the sacroiliac joint, including fluoroscopic or ultrasound guided SI joint injections where the posterior joint line lies just medial and slightly inferior to the PSIS. Pain referral patterns from sacroiliac dysfunction are frequently localized near this landmark, and tenderness at the PSIS can be confused with enthesopathy at adjacent posterior sacroiliac ligaments or with myofascial pain from the thoracolumbar fascia. The fixed posterior perspective helps you relate the PSIS to the iliac crest contour and to the posterior sacral region without distraction from anterior pelvic features. Use this illustration in gross anatomy lab manuals, palpation and physical examination teaching (physiotherapy, sports medicine, osteopathic and chiropractic curricula), and orthopedic or pain medicine publications covering sacroiliac joint anatomy, landmark guided injections, and posterior pelvic approach descriptions. It also suits patient education handouts explaining where SI joint pain is felt and why the “back dimples” matter for localization. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.