yogabook / muscles / iliocapsularis

The iliocapsularis is connected to the joint capsule along its entire course. It lies deep to the rectus femoris and lateral to the iliacus, from which it is sometimes difficult to distinguish as there is no fascia separating the two muscles. The iliocapsularis is approx. 1.8 – 2.5 cm wide and between 12 and 15 cm long, making it quite flat at 0.4 to 1 cm. It is thought to stretch the joint capsule and stabilize the hip joint. It is mainly stretched in cases of exorotated extension of the hip joint. In hip dysplasia in particular, the muscle may have a stabilizing effect against subluxation / dislocation and is then often hypertrophied. In the physiological case, it acts against FAI in wide flexion. In childhood dysplasia, the muscle can become chronically fatigued, decompensate and develop a chronic compartment.

Iliocapsularis

Origin: anterior/anteriomedial joint capsule and lower edge of the anterior inferior iliac spine
Attachment: approx. 1.5 cm distal to the lesser trochanter of the femur
Movement: Prevent anterior dislocation of the femoral head