Iliac crest

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Iliac crest
Pelvic girdle illustration.svg
Pelvic girdle.
Pelvis diagram.png
Overview of Ilium as largest bone of the pelvis.
Latin crista iliaca
TA A02.5.01.106
FMA 16914
Anatomical terms of bone

The crest of the ilium (or iliac crest) is the superior border of the wing of ilium and the superolateral margin of the greater pelvis.


The iliac crest stretches posteriorly from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS). Behind the ASIS, it divides into an outer and inner lip separated by the intermediate zone. The outer lip bulges laterally into the iliac tubercle. [1] Palpable in its entire length, the crest is convex superiorly but is sinuously curved, being concave inward in front, concave outward behind. [2]

It is thinner at the center than at the extremities.


The iliac crest is derived from endochondral bone.


To the external lip are attached the Tensor fasciae latae, Obliquus externus abdominis, and Latissimus dorsi, and along its whole length the fascia lata; to the intermediate line, the Obliquus internus abdominis. To the internal lip, the iliac fascia, the Transversus abdominis, Quadratus lumborum, Sacrospinalis, and Iliacus.

Clinical significance[edit]

A fracture of the left iliac wing

The iliac crest has a large amount of red bone marrow, and thus it is the site of bone marrow harvests (from both sides) to collect the stem cells used in bone marrow transplantation. The iliac crest is also considered the most ideal donor site for bone grafting when a large quantity of bone is needed. For example, oral and maxillofacial surgeons will often use iliac crest bone to fill in large osseous defects of the oral cavity caused by severe periodontal disease, excess bone resorption following tooth loss, trauma, or congenital defects including alveolar clefts.[4]

The top of the iliac crests also marks the level of the fourth lumbar vertebral body (L4), above or below which lumbar puncture may be performed.

Additional images[edit]

See also[edit]




  1. ^ Platzer (2004), p 186
  2. ^ Palastanga (2006), p 243
  3. ^ Bogduk (2005), p 106
  4. ^ Rose, Louis F.. Periodontics: Medicine, Surgery and Implants. Mosby, 072004.

External links[edit]