7. Biceps Femoris

Origin:

• Long head: Ischial tuberosity
• Short head: Linea aspera and lateral supracondylar line of the femur

Insertion: Lateral aspect of the fibular head (split by the lateral collateral ligament)

Action:

• Flexion of the knee
• Lateral rotation of the knee
• Extension of the hip on a stable lower leg

Innervation:

• Long head: Tibial division of the sciatic nerve (L5/S1/S2)
• Short head: Peroneal division of the sciatic nerve (L5/S1/S2)

Needling

Position: Prone

Palpation: Palpate the biceps femoris lateral to midline on the posterior aspect of the femur – The short head can be palpated up from its insertion point to the lateral supracondylar ridge of the femur

Technique:

1. 1. Needle perpendicular to the femur lateral to midline
   2. Needle in a slight oblique direction medial to lateral avoiding the midline of the posterior thigh
   3. To needle the short head of biceps femoris, needle more distal along the lateral supracondylar ridge of the femur – Needle perpendicularly using the lateral aspect of the femur as a backdrop

Caution: Low – the sciatic nerve lies directly in the midline of the posterior thigh