Sacrococcygeal symphysis

The sacrococcygeal symphysis (sacrococcygeal articulation, articulation of the sacrum and coccyx) is an amphiarthrodial joint, formed between the oval surface at the apex of the sacrum, and the base of the coccyx.

Sacrococcygeal symphysis
Articulations of pelvis. Posterior view.
Anterior view.
Details
Identifiers
LatinArticulatio sacrococcygea,
symphysis sacrococcygea
TA98A03.2.08.001
TA21688
FMA16210
Anatomical terminology

It is a slightly moveable joint[1] which is frequently, partially or completely, obliterated in old age,[2] homologous with the joints between the bodies of the vertebrae.

Structure

Articular disc

The sacrococcygeal disc or interosseus ligament[3] is similar to the intervertebral discs[2] but thinner, thicker in front and behind than at the sides, and with a firmer texture. The articular surfaces are elliptical with longer transversal axes. The surface on the sacrum is convex and that on the coccyx concave.[2] Occasionally the coccyx is freely movable on the sacrum, most notably during pregnancy; in such cases a synovial membrane is present.

Ligaments

The joint is strengthened by a series of ligaments:

Function

Movements in the joint are restricted to flexion and extension. These essentially passive movements occurs during defecation and labour. When movements in the sacrum increase the anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic outlet, movements in the sacrococcygeal joint can further increase this diameter.[2]

Clinical significance

The joint is palpable deep within the natal cleft, and can be felt as a horizontal groove. With the palpating finger on the dorsal surface of the coccyx, a degree of rotation can be produced with an applied forward pressure.[2]

See also

Notes

  1. Morris (2005), p 59
  2. Palastanga (2006), p 334
  3. Huijbregts (2001), p 13

References

Public domain This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 309 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

  • Morris, Craig E. (2005). Low Back Syndromes: Integrated Clinical Management. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-137472-8.
  • Huijbregts, Peter A. (2001). "In: Current Concepts of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy". Lumbopelvic region: Anatomy and biomechanics (PDF). APTA.
  • Masquelet, Alain C.; Christopher J. McCullough; Ian S. Fyfe; Raoul Tubiana (1993). An Atlas of Surgical Exposures of the Lower Extremity. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 1-85317-003-8. (A good illustration of the posterior and lateral ligaments.)
  • Palastanga, Nigel; Field, Derek; Soames, Roger (2006). Anatomy and Human Movement: Structure and Function. Elsevier Health Sciences. ISBN 0-7506-8814-9.
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