Which muscles are involved in internal rotation of the hip?

Which muscles are involved in internal rotation of the hip?

• A. Gluteus Medius (anterior fibres), Gluteus Minimus, and Tensor Fasciae Latae
• B. Gluteus Maximus
• C. Piriformis
• D. Adductor Longus

Answer: (A)

Internal rotation of the hip happens when the thigh is turned inward by muscles whose fibers pull the femur toward the midline. The strongest internal rotators are the anterior fibers of the gluteus medius, the gluteus minimus, and the tensor fasciae latae. The anterior part of the gluteus medius lies on the outer hip and, when it contracts, it rotates the thigh inward and assists with abduction. The gluteus minimus lies just below it and performs a similar inward rotation. The tensor fasciae latae, starting from the pelvis and attaching to the iliotibial band, also aids in medial rotation of the thigh and helps stabilize the pelvis during movement. Gluteus maximus mainly acts as an external rotator of the hip, especially when the hip is extended. The piriformis is another external rotator in extension and only in certain positions can contribute to internal rotation, so it isn’t a primary internal rotator. Adductor longus primarily adducts the thigh, with only a minor potential to assist internal rotation when the hip is flexed.

Internal rotation of the hip happens when the thigh is turned inward by muscles whose fibers pull the femur toward the midline. The strongest internal rotators are the anterior fibers of the gluteus medius, the gluteus minimus, and the tensor fasciae latae. The anterior part of the gluteus medius lies on the outer hip and, when it contracts, it rotates the thigh inward and assists with abduction. The gluteus minimus lies just below it and performs a similar inward rotation. The tensor fasciae latae, starting from the pelvis and attaching to the iliotibial band, also aids in medial rotation of the thigh and helps stabilize the pelvis during movement.

Gluteus maximus mainly acts as an external rotator of the hip, especially when the hip is extended. The piriformis is another external rotator in extension and only in certain positions can contribute to internal rotation, so it isn’t a primary internal rotator. Adductor longus primarily adducts the thigh, with only a minor potential to assist internal rotation when the hip is flexed.