Ligamentum teres of the hip
Updates to Article Attributes
The ligamentum teres, also known as the ligamentum capitis femoris or round ligament of the hip, is an intra-articular ligament within the medial hip joint.
Gross anatomy
The ligament passes from the transverse ligament and acetabular notch of the acetabulum to the femoral head where it inserts into a shallow depression called the fovea capitis. The ligament is lined by synovium. It ranges from a well-formed structure in some patients to absent in others (see case 2).
Ligamentum teres classically is defined as originating from the Transverse Acetabular Ligament. More recent anatomical studies have shown a much more comprehensive set of six attachments4 to the Acetabulum.
- Superficial:
Transverse Acetabular Ligamenttransverse acetabular ligament - Deep
Attachmentsattachments-
Posterior Attachmentposterior attachment:Ischialischial margin ofAcetabular Notchacetabular notch -
Anterior Attachmentanterior attachment:Pubic Marginpubic margin ofAcetabular Notchacetabular notch -
Acetabular Fossaacetabular fossa attachment to the Ilium, Ischium andPubispubis
-
Function
In the infant it has a significant role as it transmits a nutrient artery to the femoral head epiphysis. In the adult, its role is poorly understood, and there are several hypothesised functions which include 2:
- maintains the upright position as it is tightest when erect and weight-bearing
- aids fine coordination of the hip joint
- additional hip stabiliser in patients with generalised ligamentous laxity, hip dysplasia and in patients with anteroinferior acetabular deficiency
- maintains lubrication in the joint by aiding the distribution of synovial fluid
Anatomical variants
- congenital absence of the ligamentum teres 3
Related pathology
- ligament rupture or tear
- avulsion fracture of the fovea capitis (see case 3)
-<li>Superficial: Transverse Acetabular Ligament</li>-<li>Deep Attachments<ul>-<li>Posterior Attachment: Ischial margin of Acetabular Notch </li>-<li>Anterior Attachment: Pubic Margin of Acetabular Notch </li>-<li>Acetabular Fossa attachment to the Ilium, Ischium and Pubis</li>- +<li>Superficial: transverse acetabular ligament</li>
- +<li>Deep attachments<ul>
- +<li>posterior attachment: ischial margin of acetabular notch </li>
- +<li>anterior attachment: pubic margin of acetabular notch </li>
- +<li>acetabular fossa attachment to the Ilium, Ischium and pubis</li>
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.