Ligamentum Teres

Description

Frontal section of the hip joint with the ligament of the head of the femur marked

Name

• Ligamentum Teres
• Ligament of the Head of the Femur
• Ligamentum capitis femoris
• Round ligament of the hip

General

• Intra-articular ligament within the medial hip joint
• Passes from the transverse ligament and acetabular notch of the acetabulum
• Traverses to the femoral head where it inserts into the fovea capitis of the femur
• Lined by synovium
• In some patients, it is well formed, in others, it is congenitally absent
• Consists of two to six distinct bundles
• Composed primarily of type I and II collagen, less of type III

Attachments

• Superficial
  • Transverse acetabular ligament
• Deep 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

• Infant
  • Significant role as it transmit a nutrient artery to the femoral head epiphysis
• Adult
  • Role is less understood
  • Maintains the upright position as it is tightest when erect and weight-bearing
  • Aids fine coordination of the hip joint
  • Hip stabilizer in patients with generalized ligamentous laxity, hip dysplasia and in patients with anteroinferior acetabular deficiency
  • Maintains lubrication in the joint by aiding the distribution of synovial fluid

Anatomic Variants

• Congenitally absent in 18.67% of hips in one study

Innervation

• Branch of Obturator Nerve

---

Clinical Significance

• Hip Dislocation
• Ligament Rupture or Tear
• Avulsion fracture of the fovea capitis
• Injuries to the Ligamentum Teres

---

See Also

• Hip Anatomy Main
• Physical Exam Hip
• Hip Pain Main

---