Tendon of iliacus muscle

The tendon of iliacus muscle is the fibrous part of the muscle that joins along its lateral margin, with the tendon of the psoas major to form the common iliopsoas tendon. Together, they descend in front of the hip joint capsule and attach primarily to the lesser trochanter of the femur. Some iliacus fibres may also attach slightly below the lesser trochanter or to the anterior femoral shaft.

The tendon is short and strong, transmitting the powerful flexion force of the iliacus and psoas major muscles to the femur. It is surrounded by a synovial bursa (the iliopsoas bursa) which lies between the tendon and the hip joint capsule to reduce friction.

Click here for detailed descriptions of the iliacus and psoas major muscles.