The iliopsoas is a composite muscle formed by the iliacus and psoas major muscles, which merge to become the primary flexor of the hip joint. On musculoskeletal ultrasound, the iliopsoas can be visualized from its origin along the lumbar spine and iliac fossa, through the pelvis, to its insertion on the lesser trochanter of the femur. Conditions evaluated with ultrasound include iliopsoas bursitis, where the bursa between the tendon and hip joint becomes inflamed and distended; psoas abscess, which may complicate spinal infections or inflammatory bowel disease; and iliopsoas tendinitis or tears. Ultrasound can also guide injections into the iliopsoas bursa for therapeutic purposes.
Sonography Term