Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

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Prepare for the COMLEX-USA with quizzes featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Gear up for your osteopathic medicine exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

In unilateral sacral flexion, where is the sulcus deep?

On the opposite side of the ILA
On the same side as the ILA
On both sides equally
Not applicable

The correct answer is: On the same side as the ILA

In unilateral sacral flexion, the sulcus is deep on the same side as the inferior lateral angle (ILA). This relationship occurs due to the mechanics of sacral movement. When unilateral sacral flexion occurs, the sacrum flexes and rotates forward on one side, which causes the ILA on that side to move anteriorly while causing the sulcus to become more pronounced or deeper. On the side of the ILA, the anatomy is affected significantly by the flexion. This deepening indicates that the side of the ILA is experiencing a relative restriction of movement, as the sacral motion creates asymmetry in the region. Consequently, clinicians often assess the depth of the sulcus along with palpating the ILA to determine the sacral motion patterns and to provide necessary treatments or adjustments for any dysregulation or dysfunction related to sacral mechanics. Other options do not accurately reflect sacral motion mechanics in this context. Understanding this dynamic is essential for diagnosing and treating sacroiliac dysfunctions effectively.