Iliopsoas compartment

The iliopsoas compartment is an extraretroperitoneal space that runs along the posterior aspect of the abdomen and pelvis and extends into the thigh.

Gross anatomy

Boundaries

The iliopsoas compartment is bound by the iliopsoas fascia, which is continuous with:

• anteriorly: transversalis fascia
• superiorly: endothoracic fascia
• inferiorly: fascia lata of the thigh

Contents

• psoas major muscle
• psoas minor muscle
• iliacus muscle
• lumbar plexus

Related pathology

• psoas abscess
• psoas hematoma
• retroperitoneal fibrosis
• local invasion of primary cancers (e.g. colon cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer)