Sacropelvic

Section 1 Functional Anatomy of the Sacropelvic Region

Upon completion of this course content, the student will be able to:
• Readily identify palpable boney landmarks within the sacropelvic region of horses
• Describe the unique articular and ligamentous features of the sacroiliac joint
• Explain the different types of joint motion associated with the articulations found within the sacropelvic region
• List the muscles within the sacropelvic region and describe their general attachment sites
• Discuss the differences between muscles that contribute to lumbosacral flexion-extension and muscles that contribute to pelvic limb protraction-retraction
• Describe the innervation of the sacropelvic musculature and the muscles of the proximal hind limb

Clips
• Introduction
• Pelvis
• Sacrum and sacroiliac joint
• Sacrocaudal junction and tail
• Pelvic fascia and musculature
• Sacropelvic innervation and lumbosacral plexus

Section 2 Spinal Biomechanics of the Sacropelvic Region

Upon completion of this course content, the student will be able to:
• Describe structural-functional relationships within the pelvic region
• Discuss the role of the individual ligaments that contribute to sacroiliac joint stability
• Explain the unique biomechanical features of the sacroiliac joint
• List the muscles responsible flexion and extension of the lumbosacral and coxofemoral joints
• Describe the relative functions of the individual sacroiliac ligaments during different gaits
• Explain the concept of pelvic deformation and how it relates to sacroiliac joint motion

Clips
• Introduction
• Pelvic limb muscle biomechanics
• Sacroiliac ligament biomechanics
• Pelvic deformation and sacroiliac joint kinematics
• Tail biomechanics

Section 3 Spinal Pathology within the Sacropelvic Region

Upon completion of this course content, the student will be able to:
• Describe soft tissue, neurologic, and osseous lesions within the sacropelvic region of horses
• Analyze potential clinical and biomechanical relationships between osseous, soft tissue and neuropathology within the sacropelvic region
• Differentiate pelvic muscle asymmetry from osseous pelvic asymmetry
• Discuss ultrasonographic findings in horses with sacroiliac ligament desmitis
• Explain the innervation patterns of the equine sacroiliac joint and potential sources of neurologic compromise
• Discuss the pathological characteristics of sacroiliac joint osteoarthritis
• Describe the pathogenesis of pelvic asymmetries and prominent tuber sacrale
• List the different sites of potential pelvic fractures and the impact on adjacent muscles

Clips
• Introduction
• Skin disorders
• Soft tissue injuries
• Neurologic disorders
• Pelvic asymmetry
• Sacroiliac osteoarthritis
• Pelvic fractures

Section 4 Spinal Evaluation of the Sacropelvic Region

Upon completion of this course content, the student will be able to:
• Describe the general skills used to evaluate sacropelvic pain and dysfunction
• Discuss the podetial clinical significance of soft tissue, osseous, and neurologic disorders within the sacropelvic region of horses
• Describe the clinical features associated with sacroiliac osteoarthritis
• Explain the potential interrelationship between sacropelvic pain and hind limb lameness
• Discuss the indications and utility of diagnostic imaging modalities as applied to the sacropelvic region
• Demonstrate the ability to apply an outline or framework for conducting a detailed physical examination of the sacropelvic region in horses
• Describe methods used to assess pelvic pain, stiffness, and muscle hypertonicity

Clips
• Introduction
• Static observation: Sacropelvic region
• Dynamic observation: Sacropelvic region
• Soft tissue palpation: Sacropelvic region
• Bony palpation: Sacropelvic region
• Pelvis and pelvic limb mobilization
• Sacroiliac joint mobilization

Section 5 Treatment Options for Sacropelvic Pain and Dysfunction

Upon completion of this course content, the student will be able to:
• Outline conservative approaches for managing sacropelvic pain and dysfunction in horses
• Identify primary rehabilitation issues and provide treatment options for sacropelvic issues based on the specific needs of an individual horse
• Discuss the different treatment approaches for managing acute versus chronic sacropelvic pain
• Describe the role of stiffness, weakness, and neuromuscular dysfunction as it relates to the sacropelvic region
• Discuss possible medical and rehabilitation approaches for treating sacroiliac joint osteoarthritis
• Develop a treatment plan to address a lack of hind limb impulsion
• Explain the mechanisms of action of aquatic therapy as it relates to weakness localized to the sacropelvic region

Clips
• Introduction
• Sacropelvic treatment options: Literature review
• Sacroiliac osteoarthritis
• Sacropelvic stiffness
• Sacroiliac ligament desmitis
• Poor impulsion
• Sacropelvic weakness