Abduction of the hip occurs when the thigh is moved away from the mid-point of your body, according to Virginia Commonwealth University. Hip abduction occurs when the femur is rotated approximately 40 degrees, which causes the leg to make contact with the head of the femur -- the large bone in the top of your leg- and the acetabulum -- the socket to the hip joint. There are many muscles involved in the process of hip abduction.
Gluteus Medius
The primary function of the gluteus medius is hip abduction. The gluteus medius is a fan-shaped muscle that begins in the ilium- which is the topmost and largest bone of your pelvis. The gluteus medius ends or inserts into the femur's greater trochanter- which is located about 1 cm below the end of the femur's head. The gluteus medius helps to stabilize the pelvis during hip abduction as well as helping you to keep your balance.
Gluteus Minimus
The gluteus minimus is s small muscle which is located behind your gluteus medius muscle. It attaches to the ilium and ends at the greater trochanter. This muscle helps with the inward and outward movement of your hip.
Tensor Fascia Latae
The tensor fascia latae is also known as the thigh muscle. It enables the thigh muscle to turn away from the body which assists the abduction of the hip. The tensor fascia latae begins at the iliac crest- which is the outer, wing-like portion of your pelvis. This muscle ends at the iliotibial tract- which is a muscle that runs from your gluteus maximus to your knee. The iliotibial tract helps to reinforce the tensor fascia latae.
Secondary Abductors
The secondary abductors include the abductor longus as well as a portion of your gluteus maximus. They supply extra power which allows for the hip to move away from the center of your body. They attach to the ilium, sacrum and coccyx and end at the top of your femur.
References
- Virginia Commonwealth University: The Hip
- NASM: Essentials of Personal Fitness Training; 2008
- Caring Medical and Rehabilitation: Hip and Groin Pain
