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Psoas Minor Bursa

bursa musculi psoatis minoris

A small bursa may develop between the psoas minor tendon (when present; the psoas minor muscle is absent in approximately 40% of individuals) and the iliopectineal eminence of the pelvis where the tendon inserts. It is analogous to the iliopsoas bursa at the lesser trochanter but at the proximal iliopectineal level. When the psoas minor is absent, this bursa does not exist.

Region: Pelvis & Hip

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The psoas minor bursa is relevant primarily as a differential diagnosis for deep inguinal and anterior hip pain in patients with a psoas minor muscle. Psoas minor tendinopathy and bursitis produce deep groin pain reproduced by resisted hip flexion at the iliopectineal eminence level, distinct from the more distal iliopsoas tendinopathy at the lesser trochanter. The psoas minor tendon itself may be involved in iliopectineal bursitis, which is a more established clinical entity overlapping this anatomical territory. MRI identifies the bursa and psoas minor tendon.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Iliopectineal Bursitis Involving Psoas Minor Tendon

Inflammation of the bursa at the iliopectineal eminence involving the psoas minor tendon (when present) produces deep inguinal pain reproduced by resisted hip flexion at the iliopectineal level; ultrasound-guided injection into the bursa confirms the diagnosis and provides therapeutic benefit.