Which muscle is important for hip abduction?

The Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL) plays a key role in hip abduction, which is the movement of the leg away from the midline of the body. This muscle is located on the lateral aspect of the hip and, in addition to its primary function of facilitating hip abduction, it also assists in stabilizing the pelvis during activities such as walking or running. The TFL connects with the iliotibial band, which further aids in stabilizing the knee as well.

While the other muscles listed have various functions related to the hip, they are not primarily responsible for hip abduction. For example, the psoas major is mainly involved in hip flexion; the sartorius assists in flexion, abduction, and external rotation of the hip but is less significant compared to the TFL; and the piriformis primarily serves to laterally rotate the hip. Therefore, the TFL is the most prominent muscle that contributes specifically to the abduction of the hip joint.