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.
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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 ligament. More recent anatomical studies have shown a much more comprehensive set of six attachments 4 to the acetabulum.
superficial: transverse acetabular ligament
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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
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 hypothesized functions 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
maintains lubrication in the joint by aiding the distribution of synovial fluid
Anatomical variants
congenital absence of the ligamentum teres 3
Related pathology
avulsion fracture of the fovea capitis (see case 3)
