Anatomy & Physiology: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Review of the Iliocapsularis Muscle and its Clinical Relevance

Tomonori Sato, Naomi Sato and Kohji Sato

Little is known about the iliocapsularis muscle, which covers the anteromedial capsule of the hip joint. Although this muscle has rarely mentioned in anatomy texts since its first appearance in a French Anatomy text in 1843, it is considered an important muscular landmark in terms of surgery. More recently, several studies have focused on and described the morphology and possible role of this muscle. Knowledge about the iliocapsularis muscle is essential to understand its anatomy, functions, and pathology, all of which will help to improve the management of hip conditions. Therefore, this article reviews the existing knowledge about the iliocapsularis muscle, including a presentation of the muscle dissected from a Japanese cadaver. We will further discuss the clinical importance of the anatomy of this muscle from the perspective of conservative treatment.