Which statement best describes the role of the iliofemoral ligament's major passive hip stabilizer in standing with KAFOs?

Which statement best describes the role of the iliofemoral ligament's major passive hip stabilizer in standing with KAFOs?

• A. It is the major passive knee stabilizer
• B. It connects the pelvis to the femur for hip abduction
• C. It stabilizes the sacroiliac joint
• D. It is the major passive hip stabilizer known as the Y ligament

Answer: (D)

The iliofemoral ligament, the Y ligament of Bigelow, is the strongest passive restraint at the hip and acts as the primary passive stabilizer when standing. It runs from the ilium to the femur in a Y-shaped form, and its fibers tighten as the hip extends. In a stance with KAFOs, where the knee is locked and the leg relies on passive structures to maintain upright posture, this ligament prevents excessive hip extension (hyperextension) and pelvic tipping, allowing you to stand with minimal muscular effort. That’s why it’s described as the major passive hip stabilizer. The other options don’t fit because the iliofemoral ligament isn’t a knee stabilizer, doesn’t connect pelvis to the femur specifically to support hip abduction, and isn’t a sacroiliac joint stabilizer. The key idea is its role in resisting hip extension and maintaining upright stance.

The iliofemoral ligament, the Y ligament of Bigelow, is the strongest passive restraint at the hip and acts as the primary passive stabilizer when standing. It runs from the ilium to the femur in a Y-shaped form, and its fibers tighten as the hip extends. In a stance with KAFOs, where the knee is locked and the leg relies on passive structures to maintain upright posture, this ligament prevents excessive hip extension (hyperextension) and pelvic tipping, allowing you to stand with minimal muscular effort. That’s why it’s described as the major passive hip stabilizer.

The other options don’t fit because the iliofemoral ligament isn’t a knee stabilizer, doesn’t connect pelvis to the femur specifically to support hip abduction, and isn’t a sacroiliac joint stabilizer. The key idea is its role in resisting hip extension and maintaining upright stance.