Which muscle group is primarily responsible for hip abduction and pelvic stabilization?

• A. Gluteus maximus
• B. Iliopsoas
• C. Tensor fasciae latae
• D. Gluteus medius and minimus

Answer: (D)

The main concept here is identifying the muscles that actively abduct the hip and stabilize the pelvis during movement, especially when you stand on one leg. The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus sit on the outer hip and their primary action is to pull the femur away from the midline, which is hip abduction. Their stabilizing role is crucial during gait and single-leg stance: they keep the pelvis level so the opposite side doesn’t drop as you lift a leg. This pelvic stabilization is a key function, preventing a dip in the pelvis known as a Trendelenburg effect when these muscles are weak.

The tensor fasciae latae can assist with abduction and helps stabilize the pelvis through the iliotibial band, but it is not the primary contributor. In contrast, gluteus maximus mainly extends and externally rotates the hip, not abduct. Iliopsoas is a hip flexor, not an abductor.

So, the best answer is the gluteus medius and minimus, because they are the principal muscles responsible for both hip abduction and maintaining pelvic stability during movement.