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Iliopectineal line

The iliopectineal line is a smooth bony ridge on the inside of the pelvis that forms part of the pelvic brim (the edge of the pelvic inlet).

  • Where it is: it runs along the inner surface of the ilium and continues onto the superior pubic ramus (pecten pubis).

  • What it’s made of: it’s essentially the combined contour of the arcuate line (ilium) + pectineal line/pecten pubis (pubis).

How it’s shown on an X-ray

On an AP pelvis (and also on oblique/Judet views), you see it as a smooth curved radiopaque line that:

  • starts along the inner pelvic brim/iliac bone

  • runs down across the iliopubic eminence

  • continues into the superior pubic ramus toward the pubic symphysis

It’s one of the two classic acetabular “columns” lines on plain films:

  • Iliopectineal (iliopubic) line = anterior column

  • Ilioischial line = posterior column

Why it matters

Radiologists and orthopedists check if it’s continuous and smooth.
Disruption, step-off, or asymmetry can suggest:

  • anterior column acetabular fracture

  • pelvic ring injuries involving the superior pubic ramus

  • acetabular displacement

X-Ray image

Iliopectineal line