Sacrotuberous ligament

Organization and role

Together with the sacrospinous ligament, it helps form the sciatic foramina. It contributes to sacroiliac mechanics in interaction with other ligaments and muscles.

Clinical relevance and investigation

Buttock pain can arise from spinal, joint, tendon or nerve disorders. Palpating the ligament does not exclude these other causes.

Points to consider

Stability depends on bones, capsules, ligaments, discs and muscles working together. Naming a joint or ligament does not establish injury. After trauma, their integrity must be considered before therapeutic mobilization.

Role of TAGMED care

At TAGMED, assessment aims to understand symptoms, history and functional limitations. Manual care and osteopathy, motorized spinal decompression, laser and shockwave have different indications. The term described in this entry is not enough to select any of these modalities. Their relevance, limitations and possible contraindications should be discussed in relation to diagnosis and individual goals.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• Iliolumbar ligament — Ligament connecting mainly the L5 transverse process to the iliac crest and contributing to lumbosacral stability.
• Sacrospinous ligament — Ligament connecting the sacrum and coccyx to the ischial spine, contributing to sciatic foraminal boundaries and pelvic support.
• Intertransverse ligaments — Ligaments connecting transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae and contributing to the restraint of some lateral movements.

Medical references

1. OpenStax, Rice University. Anatomy and Physiology 2e — The Vertebral Column.
2. Radiological Society of North America. RadLex Radiology Lexicon — terminology resource.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.