What Is the Anterior Superior Iliac Spine?

Just like a major city, the human body is full of major landmarks. One such landmark is the Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS). While this boney prominence is not the Empire State Building by any means, it is a very useful reference point for measuring and positioning. As part of the pelvic rim, the ASIS is easily felt by resting the hands on the top of the pelvis and sliding them to the point that the brim takes a sudden drop towards the pubic bone. Those two points are the Anterior (front) Superior (top) Iliac (pelvic bone) Spines (points). The “front, top pelvic bone points” are like the “headlights” of the body because they always point forward and they should be parallel to the ground. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Anterior Superior Iliac Spine

Looking from the side at the skeleton, you can see the ASIS pointed out as the prominent boney point of the pelvic brim.

Anterior Superior Iliac Spine

Looking from the front at the skeleton, the ASIS is pointed out. Notice the matching ASIS on the other side; the pair is the “headlights” of the body.

Once familiar with the ASIS, you can use them to monitor for proper alignment of the pelvis while walking. I like to place one finger on each ASIS to insure that while I am walking my headlights are pointing forward and staying parallel to the ground. This body check using a major landmark can help to make walking more comfortable.

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Back and Neck by drlasich