3.8 Movements

Flexion

Iliopsoas, rectus femoris, pectineus, sartorius

Gluteus maximus, hamstrings, gravity

Adduction

Adductor magnus, longus, brevis and gracilis

Abduction

Lateral Rotation

Short lateral rotators: piriformis, quadratus femoris, gamelli, obturator externus & internus, gluteus maximus

Iliopsoas, gluteus medius and minimus

Notes:

1. Flexion is limited, when the knee is flexed, by the thigh coming into contact with anterior abdominal wall: when the knee is extended by tension in the hamstrings.
   
   
2. Rotation occurs around an axis joining centre of the head of the femur to the intercondylar notch of the femur.
   
   
3. The use of the rotators of the hip is appreciated in every step of walking when the pelvis is medially rotated on the weight bearing limb and the swung limb is laterally rotated in order to keep on the line of advance
   
4. Abduction of the trunk on the lower is seen when one limb is lifted off the ground in standing position and the whole weight is carried by the opposite limb