Ligamentous clamp

Scientific basis

Along its course, the pudendal nerve leaves the pelvis, curves around the region of the ischial spine, then passes through the area between the sacrospinous and sacrotuberous ligaments before entering Alcock's canal. This anatomical configuration explains the clinical and descriptive use of the term "ligamentous clamp." However, the word clamp does not mean that pathological pinching necessarily exists.

Blue Portance / SBNFA™ reading

In an SBNFA™ reading, this region is of particular interest because it brings together a nerve structure, ligaments, the sacrum, the ischium, deep muscles and fascia. The analysis focuses on the mechanical relationships among these elements and on their capacity to accompany changes in pelvic position.

Contribution to the analysis of sitting

Changes in the position of the pelvis and hips can alter the local geometry, the tension of certain structures and the relationships between tissues. The functional interest therefore lies in studying the mobility and variability of the whole, without automatically inferring that the pudendal nerve is compressed.

Not to be confused with

Sacrospinous ligament and sacrotuberous ligament, the main anatomical structures involved; pudendal neuralgia, a pain condition; Alcock's canal, a more distal portion of the pudendal pathway.

Sources and scope

• Robert et al. (1998): anatomical conflicts of the pudendal nerve
• Ziouziou et al. (2013): ligamentous clamp between the sacrospinous and sacrotuberous ligaments
• Chikazawa et al. (2026): recent findings on the fascial organization of the pudendal canal