Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

When naming sacral torsions, which is taken into consideration first?

1. The axis

2. The rotation

3. The location of the pelvis

4. The position of the sacrum

The correct answer is: The axis

When naming sacral torsions, the axis is the primary consideration because it serves as the reference point for understanding the functional mechanics of the pelvis and sacrum. Sacral torsion occurs around an oblique axis, which is determined by the position of the left and right iliac crests. Understanding the axis allows for accurate identification of the type of torsion. The torsion itself refers to the rotation of the sacrum about this axis, but without first identifying the axis, the exact nature of the rotation cannot be clearly defined. Other factors, such as the location of the pelvis and the position of the sacrum, can contribute to the overall assessment, but the axis is foundational to the nomenclature of sacral torsions. Thus, starting with the axis provides a clear framework for classifying the specific rotation and position of the sacrum within the context of sacral mechanics.