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Iliopectineal Eminence

eminentia iliopectinea

The iliopectineal eminence (iliopubic eminence) is a rounded bony prominence at the junction of the ilium and the superior pubic ramus, marking the lateral limit of the pectineal surface of the pubis. The iliopsoas tendon and iliopectineal bursa pass over it. It forms the medial limit of the iliofemoral triangle used in anterior hip approaches and is a landmark for the femoral nerve and vessels in the femoral triangle.

Region: Pelvis & Hip

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The iliopectineal eminence is the key landmark for the Smith-Petersen (anterior) and direct anterior approaches to the hip joint, where the anterior skin crease or ASIS-to-pubic-tubercle line guides the interval between sartorius and tensor fasciae latae. In acetabular fracture surgery, the iliopectineal eminence defines the inferior limit of the ilioinguinal approach's middle window. Iliopectineal bursitis from iliopsoas tendon friction over the eminence produces anterior hip pain reproduced by resisted hip flexion and responds to corticosteroid injection.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Iliopectineal Bursitis

Friction of the iliopsoas tendon over the iliopectineal eminence produces bursitis with anterior hip pain, deep inguinal tenderness, and pain with resisted hip flexion, managed with ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection into the iliopectineal bursa and iliopsoas tendon stretching.

Iliopectineal Eminence Fracture in Pelvic Ring Injury

High-energy pelvic ring fractures involving the superior pubic ramus may traverse the iliopectineal eminence, disrupting the junction between the ilium and pubis and requiring plate fixation with respect to the overlying femoral neurovascular bundle.