Ligamentum teres of the hip
Updates to Article Attributes
The ligamentum teres is located, also known as the ligamentum capitis femoris or round ligament of the hip, is an intra-articular ligament within the medial hip joint and is of dubious structural significance in the adult. It ranges from a well-formed structure in some to not being visualised in others. In the infant, it has a significant role so far as it transmits a nutrient artery to the femoral head epiphysis. .
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 (case 2).
Function
In the infant it has a significant role so far 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 stabilizer in patients with generalized ligamentous laxity, hip dysplasia and in patients with anteroinferior acetabular deficiency
- maintain lubrication in the joint by aiding the distribution of synovial fluid
Related pathology
- ligament rupture or tear
- avulsion fracture of the fovea capitis (case 3)
-<p>The <strong>ligamentum teres</strong> is located within the hip joint and is of dubious structural significance in the adult. It ranges from a well-formed structure in some to not being visualised in others. In the infant, it has a significant role so far as it transmits a nutrient artery to the femoral head epiphysis. 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 acetabulum to the femoral head where it inserts into a shallow depression called the fovea capitis. The ligament is lined by synovium.</p>- +<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 (case 2).</p><h4>Function</h4><p>In the infant it has a significant role so far 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>
- +<li>maintains the upright position as it is tightest when erect and weight-bearing</li>
- +<li>aids fine coordination of the hip joint</li>
- +<li>additional hip stabilizer in patients with generalized ligamentous laxity, hip dysplasia and in patients with anteroinferior acetabular deficiency</li>
- +<li>maintain lubrication in the joint by aiding the distribution of synovial fluid</li>
- +</ul><h4>Related pathology</h4><ul>
- +<li>ligament rupture or tear</li>
- +<li>avulsion fracture of the fovea capitis (case 3)</li>
- +</ul>
References changed:
- 2. Porthos Salas A, O'Donnell JM. Ligamentum teres injuries - an observational study of a proposed new arthroscopic classification. (2015) Journal of hip preservation surgery. 2 (3): 258-64. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jhps/hnv045">doi:10.1093/jhps/hnv045</a> - <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27011847">Pubmed</a> <span class="ref_v4"></span>
Image 4 MRI (T2 fat sat) ( create )
Image 5 MRI (direct MR arthrography) ( create )
Image 6 X-ray (Frontal) ( create )
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