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Sacrotuberous ligament ossification

Case contributed by Domenico Nicoletti
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Incidental finding in right hip pain

Patient Data

Age: 80 years
Gender: Male

Right sacrotuberous ligament and superior pubic ligament ossification

Case Discussion

The sacrotuberous ligament is a ligament in the shape of a fan located in the posterior pelvis, on both sides and connects the sacrum to the iliac tuberosities.

Composed mainly of collagen fibers, it is strong enough to support the sacrum and prevent adverse changes under body weight. 

Normally the sacrotuberous ligament is thin enough and can not be palpated externally. However, when the ligament is stressed, usually with aggressive physical activity or injury, it can become thick and tight. This can also cause the ligament ossification and pressure on the pudendal nerve; but the main difficulty for pregnant women is the shortening of the ligament, which in turn drags the coccyx and ischial tuberosity closer.

Case courtesy: Prof Fabio Denicolò

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