The iliopsoas compartment at the hip is the fascial space occupied by the iliopsoas tendon and muscle as they pass from the iliacus fossa over the pelvic brim, beneath the inguinal ligament and the iliopectineal arch, and into the anterior thigh toward their insertion on the lesser trochanter. The compartment contains the iliopsoas bursa, which communicates with the hip joint in 15% of individuals.
| Location | Front of the hip, where the iliopsoas passes over the pelvic brim beneath the inguinal ligament toward the lesser trochanter |
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Guides the iliopsoas and femoral nerve into the thigh. Because the iliac fascia encloses both, local anaesthetic injected beneath it spreads to the femoral nerve (fascia iliaca block).
The iliopsoas compartment is the site of iliopsoas abscess (primary from haematogenous seeding of the psoas, or secondary from spinal or pelvic infection), producing fever, flank pain, and a flexed hip posture. CT identifies the psoas abscess and guides drainage catheter placement. Iliopsoas impingement in total hip arthroplasty occurs when the acetabular cup overhangs the anterior wall and irritates the tendon in this compartment. Hip flexion contracture tightens the compartment and stretches the anterior hip capsule.
Pyogenic or tuberculous infection within the iliopsoas compartment producing flank pain, fever, and hip flexion contracture, requiring CT-guided drainage and prolonged antibiotic therapy.
Mechanical irritation of the iliopsoas tendon against an overhanging acetabular cup in the iliopsoas compartment, producing anterior groin pain with hip flexion that resolves with psoas release or cup revision.
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