Rotation around the sacral base occurs about which axis?

Rotation around the sacral base occurs about one transverse axis. In the context of sacral mechanics, the sacrum rotates in response to movements of the pelvis during activities such as walking or bending. The sacrum moves in relation to the ilium, and understanding the axes around which this rotation occurs is crucial for diagnosing and treating sacroiliac dysfunction.

The sacrum has two primary axes of motion: one transverse axis at the superior part of the sacrum and another at the inferior part, which are involved in different movements (such as flexion and extension; however, these are not the same as rotation). Specifically, for rotational movements around the sacral base, the movement occurs primarily around a singular transverse axis that is located at the level of the second sacral vertebra (S2).

Recognizing these mechanics is important for osteopathic manipulative treatment and understanding the biomechanical relationships within the pelvis and spine. Thus, knowing that rotation occurs about one transverse axis is essential for accurately applying this knowledge in clinical practice.