RADIOLOGY OF THE PARAGLENOID SULCUS

The paraglenoid sulcus is a variable groove in the ilium adjacent to t he inferior end of the sacroiliac joint. This study investigates the h ypothesis that the groove is due to resorption at the insertion of the anterior sacroiliac ligament in response to stress. The anatomical re lationships of the groove are shown with plain films, arteriography an d computed tomography. Relationship to parity was tested in 70 adult f emale subjects; a statistically significant relationship was found, wi th deep grooves occurring only in parous women. An association with os teitis condensans ilii was also demonstrated. Relationship to lumbosac ral posture was tested in 102 adult females, and an association with i ncreased lumbar lordosis was found. These findings are consistent with our initial hypothesis.