anterior superior iliac spines
Last reviewed 01/2018
Examination of the anterior part of the bony pelvis should begin with the examiner facing the standing patient. Both hands are placed gently on the waist of the patient and palpation is continued inferiorly until the iliac crests are felt. With the fingers spread over the crests and the thumbs projecting inferiorly, the anterior superior iliac spines are palpated as the most anterior subcutaneous landmark on the pelvis.
The examiner must determine if both sides are at the same horizontal level. Next, palpation is directed at the iliac crests.