The anterior superior iliac spine is the anterior projection of the iliac crest, serving as the origin of the sartorius muscle (the longest muscle in the body) and the tensor fasciae latae. It is the most prominent anterior pelvic bony landmark and a key reference point for anatomical measurements, orthotic fitting, and surgical approaches.
| Articulations |
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| Landmarks |
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| Ossification | The ASIS apophysis ossifies at age 13 to 15 and fuses with the iliac crest by age 16 to 18. |
ASIS avulsion fractures in adolescents from sartorius or TFL traction during sprinting are managed conservatively for displacements less than 3 cm and surgically for greater displacement. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve exits the pelvis just medial to the ASIS. Its compression produces meralgia paraesthetica with burning lateral thigh numbness. ASIS palpation is used to assess pelvic alignment and tilting in postural assessment.
Stand or lie the person on their back and place your hands on their waist. Follow the top of the iliac crest forward and downward until it ends in a prominent, rounded bony point at the front of the hip; that point is the ASIS. Compare left and right with your thumbs on both points to check pelvic level and rotation.
Sudden contraction of sartorius and tensor fasciae latae during sprinting avulses the apophysis in adolescents.
Compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve just medial to the ASIS causes burning numbness over the lateral thigh.
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