A cadaveric model for ligamentum teres function: a pilot study

Abstract

The ligamentum teres consistently tightened to limit hip abduction, medial rotation, and lateral rotation. These results support a ball and string model for the femoral head and ligamentum teres. This information could be important for those with hip instability and ligamentum teres pathology.

Usefulness of MR arthrography of the hip with leg traction in the evaluation of ligamentum teres injuries

“…These results suggest that the LT and the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee share common functional properties and provide evidence to support the role of the LT as a hip joint stabilizer [7]. Biomechanical studies in cadaveric models suggest that the LT is an important stabilizer of the hip, predominantly in external rotation and flexion and in internal rotation and extension [5,24]. Martin et al [25] studied the function of the LT in a cadaveric model, preserving hip capsular ligaments, and demonstrated that the primary function of the LT is to limit hip rotation, predominantly in hip flexion of 90°or higher, especially when capsular ligaments are lax and bone stabilization is lower [25].…”

“…However, the detection of LT tears has become an issue of greater concern in imaging diagnosis and hip arthroscopy because of the role of the LT as a generator of hip pain, and its potential involvement in hip microinstability has been further elucidated [3][4][5][6]. Recent studies confirm that the LT is an important stabilizer structure and, in many ways, is similar to the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee [2,7].…”

Ligamentum Teres Injury Is Associated With the Articular Damage Pattern in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement

“…However, studies have suggested that the ligamentum teres does contribute to hip stability. 8,9 Martin et al 8,9 reported that the ligamentum teres might contribute to hip stability when the hip is in flexion/external rotation and extension/internal rotation. The movements that bring the hip into these positions are squatting and attempting to cross 1 leg behind the other when standing, respectively.…”

“…[8][9][10][11] We believe that continued hip instability may lead to the development of labral tears, osteochondral damage, and eventually, osteoarthritis. However, the effect of ligamentum teres injury on femoroacetabular cartilage damage has not been reported in the literature.…”

Microinstability of the hip: a previously unrecognized pathology

“…It's length approaches 30-35 mm but there exists great variability 20 and furthermore it may not be present in 10% of individuals 21 . In order to reach its maximum tightness, the hip must be flexed, adducted and externally rotated 22,23 , but according to others this occurs in flexion and abduction 24,25 . Philippon et al 26 studied the structural characteristics of the ligamentum teres on 12 human cadaveric models with mean age of 53.6 years and found that the mean ultimate failure load of this ligament is 204 N, showing similar results to another study 27 .…”