Copyright 2009
Matthew Diltz MD
Definition
There are four main ligaments that reinforce the hip joint. The three extracapsular ligaments include the iliofemoral ligament, ischiofemoral ligament, and pubufemoral ligament.
The triangular iliofemoral ligament, ligament of Bigelow, is the strongest ligament in the body. This ligament formed a ?Y? with attachments at the anterior superior iliac spine, acetabular rim, and below to the intertrochanteric line.
The ischiofemoral ligament is attached to ischial wall of acetabulum and the neck of femur. This ligament lies superior/posterior to the joint and prevents medial rotation of the hip.
The pubofemoral ligament attaches to the pubic portion of the acetabulum and superior ramus of the pubis. It extends to the inferior surface of the neck of the femur. The pubofemoral ligament restricts abduction in the hip joint.
Injuries such as dislocations of the hip can lead to damage to the supportive ligaments. Common mechanism of injury includes a car accident in which the mean collides with the dashboard and leads to a posterior force of the femoral head out of the acetabulum. Imaging procedures such as MRI can help distinguish injuries to the ligaments.
The intracapsular ligament, the ligamentum teres, extends from the fovea of the femoral head to the acetabular notch. The ligaments provides limited stability. In dislocations of the hip it can become attenuated and a source of impingement. When there is a disruption of the blood supply to the femoral head, in a displaced femoral neck fracture, it can be an important source of vascularity.
References