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 Ligamenttransverse acetabular ligament. More recent anatomical studies have shown a much more comprehensive set of six attachments4 to the Acetabulumacetabulum.
-
Superficialsuperficial: transverse acetabular ligament -
Deepdeep attachments- posterior attachment: ischial margin of acetabular notch
- anterior attachment: pubic margin of acetabular notch
- acetabular fossa attachment to the Ilium, Ischium and pubis
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)
-<p>The <strong>ligamentum teres</strong>, also known as the<strong> ligamentum capitis femoris</strong> or <strong>round ligament of the hip</strong>, is an intra-articular ligament within the medial <a href="/articles/hip-joint-1">hip joint</a>.</p><h4>Gross anatomy</h4><p>The ligament passes from the <a href="/articles/transverse-ligament-of-the-hip">transverse ligament</a> and <a href="/articles/acetabular-notch">acetabular notch</a> of the <a href="/articles/acetabulum">acetabulum</a> 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).</p><p>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 attachments<sup>4</sup> to the Acetabulum. </p><ul>-<li>Superficial: transverse acetabular ligament</li>-<li>Deep attachments<ul>- +<p>The <strong>ligamentum teres</strong>, also known as the<strong> ligamentum capitis femoris</strong> or <strong>round ligament of the hip</strong>, is an intra-articular ligament within the medial <a href="/articles/hip-joint-1">hip joint</a>.</p><h4>Gross anatomy</h4><p>The ligament passes from the <a href="/articles/transverse-ligament-of-the-hip">transverse ligament</a> and <a href="/articles/acetabular-notch">acetabular notch</a> of the <a href="/articles/acetabulum">acetabulum</a> 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).</p><p>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 attachments <sup>4</sup> to the acetabulum. </p><ul>
- +<li>superficial: transverse acetabular ligament</li>
- +<li>deep attachments<ul>
-</ul><h4>Function</h4><p>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 <sup>2</sup>:</p><ul>- +</ul><h4>Function</h4><p>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 <sup>2</sup>:</p><ul>
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