Ligament of the Head of the Femur
Assistant
Definition
By Gregory R. Waryasz, MD
The ligament of the head of the femur/ligamentum teres of the musculoskeletal system is characterized by its location connecting the femoral head to the acetabular notch.
It is part of the hip joint. It consists of a synovial fold that contains a branch of the obturator artery that leads to the femoral head.
Its unique structural feature is that it is located intracapsular. The ligament begins at the acetabular notch and the transverse actabular ligament and attaches to the fovea of femoral head.
The ligamentum teres as well as all other bones, muscles, and ligaments of the body are derived of mesodermal origin in the embryo.
The function of the ligamentum teres serves only a minimal function for strengthening the hip joint.
Common diseases include ligament tears and dislocation. During dislocation, the ligament can be a source of impingement.
Commonly used diagnostic procedures include clinical history, physical exam, and MRI.
It is usually treated with physical therapy and NSAIDs. Surgery can be performed either with a large open incision or performed with arthroscopy.
References
Elstrom J, Virkus W, Pankovich (eds), Handbook of Fractures (3rd edition), McGraw Hill, New York, NY, 2006.
Koval K, Zuckerman J (eds), Handbook of Fractures (3rd edition), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 2006.
Lieberman J (ed), AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2008.
Moore K, Dalley A (eds), Clinically Oriented Anatomy (5th edition), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 2006.